Nigeria is set to scale up its presence in the global space industry, following presidential approval for two new communication satellites.
The satellites, NIGCOMSAT 2A and 2B, were approved by President Bola Tinubu as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure and strategic autonomy.
The Managing Director of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, announced the development at the opening of the 2026 Nigerian Satellite Week in Abuja.
She described the approval as a major step toward positioning space technology at the centre of Nigeria’s development agenda.
“The expansion of our satellite capacity reflects a deliberate move to secure Nigeria’s future in connectivity, data services, and digital innovation”.
She noted that the country’s space programme has evolved significantly, moving beyond basic satellite operations to delivering services in broadband access, broadcasting, and communications across multiple regions.
According to her, Nigeria is also strengthening its global footprint through strategic collaborations.
These include a recent partnership with Eutelsat to enhance low-earth orbit connectivity, as well as cooperation with the Kenya Space Agency.
She added that Nigeria’s growing influence is further reflected in its leadership role within the Global Satellite Operators Association, where it currently serves in a key executive position.
The initiative, she said, signals Nigeria’s ambition to not only participate in the global space economy, but to actively shape it.
