French aerospace group Thales Alenia Space and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) have been selected to build Nigeria’s replacement communications satellites, as the federal government moves to expand national broadband capacity and replace its ageing NIGCOMSAT-1R asset.
The selection follows Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval on August 22 for the procurement and deployment of NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B. The decision allows state-owned operator Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) to advance its long-running replacement programme into the execution phase.
The two spacecraft will provide additional capacity for broadband internet, enterprise connectivity, broadcasting, and government services, particularly across remote areas where deploying fibre-optic and other terrestrial infrastructure is commercially unviable.
Timing for the replacement is tight. NIGCOMSAT-1R, launched on December 19, 2011, carried a 15-year design life that expires in 2026. NIGCOMSAT management estimates that precise onboard fuel conservation will extend its operational utility until 2028, giving the government a narrow window to secure project financing, build, and launch the new units.
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The total contract value remains undisclosed while financial terms are finalised.
NIGCOMSAT Managing Director Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen said official figures will be published once funding agreements close.
“The amount will be official once the financing is closed,” Egerton-Idehen said. “That is the stage that is ongoing now after the contract FEC approved. The funding is vendor-financed and backed by the export-import banks.”
Under the arrangement, the selected vendors will provide financing packages guaranteed by their respective national export-import institutions. Satellite procurements require heavy upfront capital, covering not only the spacecraft but also launch services, insurance, ground control centres, orbital testing, and technical support.
Selection of the French and Israeli contractors follows a competitive tender launched more than two years ago. Technical specifications were established in early 2024, followed by an Expression of Interest in June of that year. Competitors in the 2025 bidding phase included Airbus, China Great Wall Industry Corporation, and Turkish Aerospace Industries.
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The final deal covers a turnkey delivery. Beyond manufacturing, the contractors are responsible for launch arrangements, in-orbit testing, control centres, telemetry stations, operational software, insurance, and local technology transfer.
NIGCOMSAT-2A will be deployed at the 42.5°E orbital position, supported by upgraded ground infrastructure to strengthen network resilience.
National broadband penetration stood at 56.7% in June, with growth constrained by the high cost of laying fibre-optic cables through sparsely populated or terrain-difficult regions. The new space assets are intended to complement, rather than replace, domestic fibre and mobile infrastructure by closing last-mile connectivity gaps.
“NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B will strengthen our national satellite capacity, expand connectivity and support critical communications across the country,” Egerton-Idehen said. “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.”
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