President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the launch of two additional satellites for Nigeria as the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) marks its 20th anniversary.
The announcement was made by the Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT, Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, during the opening ceremony of Nigerian Satellite Week 2026 held in Abuja.
Egerton-Idehen said the approval represents a major milestone for Nigeria’s space programme and reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the country’s satellite capability and digital infrastructure.
She noted that the decision will help expand Nigeria’s presence in the global space industry while improving connectivity services across the country.
Satellite Week 2026 Focuses on Nigeria’s Space Future
The two-day event, themed “Harnessing Space for an Extraordinary Nigeria,” brings together policymakers, security agencies, investors, technology innovators and industry stakeholders to discuss how satellite technology can support national development.
According to Egerton-Idehen, the first day of the programme focuses on the growing global space economy and Nigeria’s opportunities within it, while the second day highlights the importance of partnerships and strategic alliances in building a sustainable space sector.
She explained that Nigeria is positioning itself to benefit from the rapidly expanding satellite industry, particularly with the rise of satellite broadband and Low Earth Orbit technologies.
NIGCOMSAT Records Growth and New Partnerships
The NIGCOMSAT Managing Director revealed that the organisation has recorded significant progress in recent years, including doubling its revenue over the past two years.
She also announced a landmark connectivity partnership with global satellite operator Eutelsat to support Low Earth Orbit broadband services.
In addition, NIGCOMSAT has strengthened regional cooperation through collaboration with the Kenya Space Agency as part of efforts to develop Africa’s growing space economy.
Egerton-Idehen added that NIGCOMSAT currently holds the Vice-Chairmanship of the Global Satellite Operators Association, giving Nigeria a stronger voice in international satellite policy discussions.
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Project 774 to Expand Connectivity Nationwide
As part of efforts to bridge the digital divide, the agency is implementing Project 774, an initiative designed to extend satellite connectivity to all 774 local government areas across Nigeria.
Egerton-Idehen said the project aims to improve access to digital services, education, healthcare and economic opportunities, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Investment in Skills and Innovation
The NIGCOMSAT boss also highlighted the organisation’s commitment to developing local talent and supporting innovation in the satellite ecosystem.
She disclosed that VSAT training programmes have already been conducted in Adamawa, Jigawa, Cross River and Enugu states to equip young Nigerians with technical skills in satellite technology.
She further noted that the NIGCOMSAT Accelerator Programme is supporting startups working on satellite applications, precision agriculture and digital logistics, with a third cohort expected to be launched soon.
Preparing for Nigeria’s Next Generation of Satellites
Egerton-Idehen said NIGCOMSAT is currently working to maximise the remaining service life of NigComSat-1R while laying the groundwork for the next generation of satellites approved by the Federal Government.
She also commended the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, for providing leadership that aligns NIGCOMSAT’s work with Nigeria’s broader digital transformation agenda.
According to her, the organisation will continue to partner with stakeholders across government and the private sector to strengthen Nigeria’s role in the global space industry.
