The federal government has reached a significant milestone in the delivery of NigComSat-2A, the next-generation satellite infrastructure expected to deliver improved broadband connectivity and expand network coverage nationwide.
Through the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT Ltd), the federal government has signed a deal with Thales Alenia Space to develop the new telecommunications satellite. In an email seen by Technext, the space company said the infrastructure will operate from geostationary orbit.
“I would like to thank NIGCOMSAT for placing their trust in our company,” said Hervé Derrey, President and CEO of Thales Alenia Space.
He added that
“NigComSat-2A geostationary satellite will enable NIGCOMSAT to strengthen its competitive position by delivering reliable, high-quality services that meet the growing demand for connectivity and digital content worldwide. This announcement also underscores the success of our Spacebus B2 product line, renowned for its reliability, robustness and time-to-market efficiency.”
The upgrade comes at a critical time for Nigeria’s broadband penetration goal, digital connectivity and digital economy expansion. Over 195 million Nigerians are telecom users, while 81% (158 million) of that number are internet users. With the pace of technology expansion, Nigeria needs an all-encompassing satellite facility that meets current digital demands.
NigComSat-2A seeks to deliver reliable and secure communication services, including high-quality television broadcasting and fast and stable internet. Importantly, the satellite will also expand access to digital services in underserved and remote communities, while supporting the connectivity needs of African households, businesses, public institutions and industries.
In her reaction to the latest milestone, Nkechi Jane Egerton-Idehen, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NIGCOMSAT, described the deal with Thales Alenia Space as a significant step in Nigeria’s journey toward digital transformation.
“NigComSat-2A will not only strengthen our nation’s satellite communications capacity but also expand access to reliable broadband and digital services for millions of Africans, especially in underserved and remote communities.”
“This project underscores NIGCOMSAT’s commitment to driving connectivity, fostering innovation, and enabling economic growth across the continent. We are proud to partner with Thales Alenia Space in delivering a satellite that will empower Africa’s digital future,” she noted.
Execution remains the key
NigComSat-2A is tipped to improve access to reliable broadband and communications infrastructure. This means that an Ajoke or Chidi in a remote location in Nigeria can at least access a quality network experienced by their fellow Nigerians in Lagos and FCT Abuja.
The consideration brings about digital inclusion, economic opportunity, knowledge sharing and access to information across Africa.
Olalekan Ifatimehin, Regional Manager at IPT PowerTech Group, attests to the expected gains from the new satellite. While speaking with Technext, he agreed that both NigComSat-2A and 2B will transform Nigeria’s connectivity to achieve the targeted broadband penetration and serve to power network access for remote communities.
“The investment has the potential to significantly improve Nigeria’s connectivity and broadband ecosystem, particularly in underserved and hard-to-reach areas,” he said, noting that the infrastructure is not just a satellite project, “but an opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s overall digital infrastructure, broadband penetration, resilience and digital inclusion.”
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s greatest issue in rolling out notable problems is not about solving problems or developing strategic ideas; it lies in execution. And Olalekan feared that delays or missed targets in implementation pose threats to achieving desired results.
In implementation plans, several hands must be coordinated for timely delivery of results. As highlighted by the telecom expert;
“The real impact will depend on execution: affordable end-user access, effective partnerships with MNOs/ISPs, sufficient ground infrastructure, spectrum management, and strong commercial utilisation of the satellite capacity.”
Notably, the partnership with Thales Alenia Space is part of the federal government’s lineup to deliver the new satellite. Olalekan saw this as a welcome development, stressing that “the government can’t do this without the private sector if they truly want it to be covered.”
Also read: 5 technology shifts that could redefine Nigeria’s digital economy in the next 5 years.
What you should know about NigComSat-2A
NigComSat-2A is a planned next-generation geostationary telecoms satellite for Nigeria, scheduled for a targeted launch around 2028.
It will replace the ageing NigComSat-1R satellite to boost Nigeria’s satellite communications capacity and digital infrastructure. The satellite is designed as a high-throughput multi-band satellite, carrying C, Ku, Ka, and L bands, to deliver broadband internet, TV broadcasting, and voice services.
With a launch mass of nearly 4 tons, NigComSat-2A will cover the region extending from West and Central Africa to Southern Africa. The satellite will also provide greater flexibility and resilience to Africa’s communications infrastructure, supporting the continent’s rapidly growing digital economy and the increasing demand for connectivity in areas where terrestrial networks remain limited or face operational challenges.
Its expected operational in-orbit service life exceeds 15 years. The satellite, to be built by Thales Alenia Space, will be based on the company’s Spacebus B2 platform.
In terms of financial inputs, Nigeria is investing an estimated $2 billion in both the NigComSat-2A and NigComSat-2B satellites. Also, localised government development and planning through the Federal Executive Council (FEC) earmarked ₦420.97 million in the 2026 federal budget specifically to support the NigComSat-2 project.
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