The Federal Government says Nigeria’s next-generation satellite programme is entering the execution stage, with NIGCOMSAT-2A and 2B scheduled for launch in 2028 and 2029. The initiative is aimed at enhancing national connectivity, security, and the growth of the digital economy.

Speaking at the opening of the 2026 Satellite Week in Abuja on Monday, Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT Limited, Mrs Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, said the programme underscores Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging space technology for development, sovereignty, and security.

“The tender process has closed, and we are now moving into financing and implementation. 2A is due for launch in 2028, followed by 2B in 2029. Once operational, the satellites will support border security, intelligence gathering, and connectivity in remote areas,” she said.

The satellites are expected to enable precision agriculture, rural broadband expansion, and real-time communication for security agencies.

Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, noted that the programme reflects a shift from approvals to delivery, supported by investments in fibre, towers, and space infrastructure. “Satellites are central to bridging connectivity gaps and building national resilience. They affect everything from how a child in a rural community accesses the internet to how farmers make critical planting decisions,” he said.

Director-General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Professor Seidu O. Mohammed, highlighted Nigeria’s growing capacity in space research, with a workforce of about 6,000 and over 300 Ph.D. holders. He said the new satellites demonstrate the government’s commitment to using space as a driver of economic growth and a pathway toward a one trillion-dollar economy.

The event, themed “Harnessing Space for an Extraordinary Nigeria,” brought together government officials, industry experts, researchers, technology innovators, and strategic partners to shape Nigeria’s next phase in space and digital infrastructure.

In a goodwill message, the Chief of Army Staff, represented by Major General KO Osemwegie, called for deeper collaboration across government, industry, and international partners to strengthen national defence capabilities using space-enabled systems.