Tinubu Approves 2 Additional Satellites for NIGCOMSAT

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT), Jane Egerton-Idehen, has announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved two additional communication satellites, NIGCOMSAT 2A and 2B, for Nigeria’s space programme.

She said this during her address at the opening of the Nigerian Satellite Week 2026, themed, “Harnessing Space Technology for an Extraordinary Nigeria”, in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on Monday.

Egerton-Idehen said this development underscores Nigeria’s commitment to expanding her presence in the global space economy.

According to her, the event coincides with NIGCOMSAT’s 20th anniversary, marking two decades since Nigeria entered the satellite industry.

“This approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a clear demonstration of Nigeria’s recognition of space as a driver of national development and sovereignty.

“Twenty years ago, Nigeria declared its readiness to participate and shape one of the most consequential industries of this century. That declaration was not abstract, it was a commitment to build capacity, institutions, and credibility in the global space economy.”

The MD said NIGCOMSAT has grown from a single satellite operator into a multi-service provider emphasising that Nigeria’s space investments are about more than technology.

“Today, Nigeria accounts for nearly 20% of Africa’s satellite capacity. Over eight government agencies are now actively engaged in space-related programmes.

“We invest in space because we are investing in education, bringing broadband to schools across Nigeria. We invest in space because we are investing in healthcare, connecting remote clinics to modern medical resources. We invest in space because we are investing in security and commerce, ensuring that every Nigerian community can participate in the digital economy.”

She also announced that NIGCOMSAT’s accelerator programme, launched this year, will be a permanent feature to nurture the next generation of space-focused companies in addition to other initiatives like the 774 Local Government Area Connectivity project.

Expressing optimism on the initiative she said, “It took us two decades to reach this point, and the journey was not a straight line. But today, as we prepare the groundwork for the satellites that will succeed our current fleet, we do so with confidence knowing that our direction is clear and our partnerships strong.

“The work of building Nigeria’s space future is being done here, by the institutions, innovators, investors, policymakers, and stakeholders gathered in this room,” she said.

Speaking on the theme of Day 1 of the event, “The Space Race: The Convergence of Technology, Government, and Opportunities”, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijjani, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding satellite infrastructure, while praising President Tinubu’s approval of new communication satellites for NIGCOMSAT.

“When a community gains the opportunity to connect, it transforms how businesses operate and how people live. Satellite technology allows us to extend connectivity to places where other infrastructure cannot reach. It also provides resilience, innovation, and strengthens our digital economy,” he said

According to the minister, infrastructure alone is not enough, pointing to the importance of fostering innovation.

“Already, we see startups testing ideas, conversations around policy and investment, and new partnerships emerging. This is how we grow the ecosystem, and this ecosystem is required for Nigeria to create solutions from satellite technology. We need to see more Nigerian solutions for agriculture, education, commerce, and for security,” he explained.

Highlighting the government’s investment in research, Tijjani announced the launch of N12 billion Research Cluster Fund with universities taking central role in the initiative.

“Thirty-six professors, nearly 200 postgraduate and PhD researchers will be engaged. These clusters will strengthen the link between academia and industry, ensuring that research translates into innovation.”

The minister stressed that Nigeria’s satellite leadership is a continental responsibility as it remains the only country with communication satellites in Africa.

“Nigeria’s leadership in satellite technology is not just for Nigeria. It is for Africa. We must build talent that understands both the technology and its applications. We must create room for businesses to grow in this space. And we must collaborate more across the continent,” he advised.