The Federal Government has moved the acquisition and deployment of NIGCOMSAT – 2A and NIGCOMSAT – 2B into the next phase following Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval for the two next – generation High – Throughput Communication Satellites.
The satellites, to be deployed by Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy are designed to expand Nigeria’s satellite capacity and strengthen broadband, broadcasting, enterprise and critical communications services.
A statement issued by the Acting Head, Corporate Affairs Division of NIGCOMSAT, Stephen Kwande, indicated that the deployment would be extend connectivity to underserved, unserved and hard -to- reach communities, strengthen national communications resilience and increase Nigeria’s capacity to deliver satellite e-enabled services.
According to him, the development forms part of the Federal Government’s broader investment in digital infrastructure and national connectivity, in line with the objectives of the present administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
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Speaking on the development, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NIGCOMSAT, Jane Nkechi Egerton – Idehen, said: “This is a significant milestone for NIGCOMSAT and for Nigeria, and we commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the leadership and support that have enabled us to reach this stage.
“NIGCOMSAT – 2A and NIGCOMSAT – 2B will strengthen our 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”, she added.
The spokesperson stated that the additional satellite capacity would support high – capacity broadband, broadcasting, enterprise connectivity, Government services and other emerging digital applications. It will also complement terrestrial broadband networks by providing wider coverage in locations where conventional infrastructure may be difficult or costly to deploy.
He further clarified: “The deployment of NIGCOMSAT – 2A and NIGCOMSAT – 2B is expected to enable wider access to reliable connectivity, particularly in underserved and hard – to – reach communities. It will also support access to digital services across education, Healthcare, Agriculture, Financial Services, Broadcasting, Enterprise and Government Services, while improving the resilience of communications infrastructure across the country.
NIGCOMSAT – 2A and NIGCOMSAT – 2B are also expected to strengthen secure and resilient communications for critical national requirements, including national security and Defence, while reducing excessive dependence on external satellite infrastructure.
“Beyond connectivity, the deployment is expected to create opportunities across Nigeria’s satellite and digital technology value chain, including telecommunications, broadcasting, ground infrastructure, systems integration, technical support, satellite terminals and other satellite -enabled services.
“It will also support indigenous capacity development through knowledge transfer, local manufacturing, professional development and the growth of specialised expertise in satellite engineering, network operations, cybersecurity and other emerging space technologies
“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”, Kwande added.
He disclosed that the satellites would be delivered by Thales Alenia Space of France and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), with NIGCOMSAT leading implementation in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and other relevant stakeholders.
Kwande projected that through this investment, NIGCOMSAT was expected to expand its service capacity, strengthen the utilization of national satellite assets and support the development of amore commercially viable Nigerian satellite and space – sector ecosystem.
