Nigeria is preparing to add two communication satellites to its national infrastructure as the government seeks to extend digital services to communities that remain difficult to reach through conventional telecommunications networks.

The Federal Executive Council has approved the acquisition of NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B, allowing the country’s satellite operator to move from planning into the next stage of the project.

NIGCOMSAT will coordinate the programme with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. The satellites are expected to add substantial communications capacity for internet services, broadcasting, businesses and public institutions.

The project could be particularly useful in parts of the country where extending fibre networks or building additional telecommunications towers is expensive, technically difficult or impractical.

Rather than replacing terrestrial networks, the new spacecraft are expected to work alongside them, providing another means of reaching locations that remain outside reliable broadband coverage.

The government also expects the additional capacity to support digital activity in areas such as education, healthcare, agriculture, financial services and government operations.

The programme is being developed with international manufacturers. Israel Aerospace Industries and France’s Thales Alenia Space are expected to supply the satellites, while Nigerian authorities proceed with technical discussions and contractual arrangements.

NIGCOMSAT has indicated that deployment will happen in stages, with the first satellite targeted for launch towards the end of 2028 and the second expected later.

Beyond improving connectivity, officials see the project as an opportunity to expand Nigeria’s capabilities in satellite operations, engineering and related technology services.

The investment comes as the government seeks greater control over critical digital infrastructure while expanding access to services that increasingly depend on reliable communications networks.