FG Engages Israeli, French Manufacturers to Produce Two Next-gen Satellites

The federal ministry of communications, innovation and digital economy, and the Nigeria Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited are engaging the Israeli and French manufacturers to produce two next-generation communication satellites for Nigeria.

NIGCOMSAT said in a statement on Saturday that the satellites, NigComSat-2A and NigComSat-2B, will be delivered by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Thales Alenia Space of France.

The company said the project has moved into its next phase following the federal executive council (FEC) approval for the acquisition and deployment of the satellites.

NIGCOMSAT said the next stage includes formal engagement with the technology partners, contract finalisation and technical planning ahead of the manufacture, launch and eventual deployment of the satellites.

Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) of NIGCOMSAT, said the approval was a significant milestone for the company and Nigeria.

She said the satellites would strengthen Nigeria’s national satellite capacity, expand connectivity and support critical communications across the country.

“Our priority is to translate this investment into measurable value for Nigerians and position NIGCOMSAT for stronger impact within the global satellite and digital economy,” Egerton-Idehen said.

Stephen Kwande, acting head of the corporate affairs division at NIGCOMSAT, told TheCable that the lunch will be in two phases, with the first being 2028.

“The process has just started, that is the approval. The launch will be in two phases, one hopefully end of 2028 and the second 2029 or 2030,” he said.

“There was discussion in March and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy is handling most aspects of the launch and discussions.

“We are under the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. So the Ministry and NIGCOMSAT Ltd are engaging the manufacturer.” 

NIGCOMSAT said the satellites will be deployed under the supervision of the ministry.

“The additional satellite capacity will support high – capacity broadband, broadcasting, enterprise connectivity, Government services and other emerging digital applications,” the company said.

“It will also complement terrestrial broadband networks by providing wider coverage in locations where conventional infrastructure may be difficult or costly to deploy.” 

According to NIGCOMSAT, the project aims to support digital services in education, healthcare, agriculture, financial services, broadcasting and government.

The company said the satellites are expected to strengthen secure and resilient communications for critical national requirements, including national security and defence, while reducing dependence on external satellite infrastructure.

NIGCOMSAT said the project could create opportunities across telecommunications, broadcasting, ground infrastructure, systems integration, technical support and satellite-enabled services.

“With FEC approval secured, the acquisition and deployment process will now move into the next stage of implementation, including formal engagement with the technology partners, contract finalisation, technical planning and other preparatory activities required for the manufacture, launch and eventual deployment of the satellites,” NIGCOMSAT said.

The company added that the project would also support indigenous capacity development through knowledge transfer, professional development and specialised expertise in satellite engineering, network operations and cybersecurity.