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…Says 90,000km fibre optic project 60% ready
From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Federal Government has approved the procurement of two new satellites as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and drive President Bola Tinubu’s $1 trillion economy agenda.
Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Mr. Bosun Tijani, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja at the Global Privacy Day 2026 press conference organised by the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC).
The minister said the satellite approval represents a major step towards repositioning Nigeria’s digital economy, noting that Nigeria is currently the only country in West Africa without active communication satellites, a gap the new initiative is expected to close.
He also revealed that the flagship 90,000-kilometre fibre optic backbone project, designed to deepen broadband penetration nationwide, has reached 60 per cent completion, with funding already secured.
According to Tijani, the Tinubu administration is leveraging digital technology as a catalyst for inclusive growth, improved service delivery and sustainable economic expansion.
He added that government investments also extend to digital skills development, rural connectivity and institutional reforms aimed at ensuring Nigerians benefit fully from the digital economy.
Tijani stressed that as more Nigerians come online, the need to protect citizens’ personal data and digital rights has become more critical, especially given the country’s youthful and digitally active population.
He described the NDPC as a strategic institution in the nation’s digital journey, noting that trust and data protection are essential to sustaining innovation and economic growth.
Speaking further, the minister said President Tinubu demonstrated early commitment to data privacy by signing the Nigerian Data Protection Commission Act into law shortly after assuming office.
He said: “As you know, Mr. President has been very clear about his ambition to build a $1 trillion economy, and digital technology is central to achieving that vision.
“But I think most importantly, one that might come out to wrap your mind, that the president has now approved that we should procure two new satellites. Nigeria today is the only country in West Africa with non-communication satellites. And we have been given the go-ahead to procure two new ones, ensuring that we can use that satellite to connect.
“The 90,000 kilometres fibre optic project is not a dream. About 60 per cent of the work has already been completed, and the funding for the project is secure.
“As we bring more Nigerians online, connectivity without protection is incomplete. Privacy is the foundation of trust, safety and sustainability in the digital world.
“The success of Nigeria’s digital economy will depend not just on infrastructure and talent, but on trust, and the NDPC remains central to building that trust.”
