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From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The federal government has unveiled plans to deploy new satellites to strengthen Nigeria’s military intelligence and surveillance capabilities.
The move aims to enhance national security and real-time threat detection.
The initiative is part of a wider digital infrastructure push that also includes extending the country’s fibre optic network to neighbouring nations to improve regional connectivity. Officials say the combined investments will boost data capacity, support cross-border collaboration, and position Nigeria as a key technology hub.
To this end, the federal government has set 2028 and 2029 as the timeline for the deployment of the new satellites, NYCOMSAT-2A and 2B.
NIGCOMSAT Managing Director, Mrs. Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, who disclosed this at the second Nigerian Satellite Week in Abuja on Monday, noted that the development is expected to boost military intelligence, surveillance, and regional connectivity.
She said: “For 2A and 2B, we have started the process. We have closed the tender and are now back into the financing and implementation stage. 2A is built to come up in 2028 and 2B for 2029. “When they are up and running, they are expected to provide security within the borders and neighbouring countries. They will support the security agencies because data collection and intelligence in real time is important.
Satellites like communication satellites allow that, irrespective of where they are.”
In his remarks, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, said the satellites form part of the nation’s strategy to strengthen digital infrastructure.
Tijani explained that the satellites will complement ongoing investments in 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic cable and nearly 4,000 telecom towers, which are being rolled out nationwide and extended to neighbouring countries including Cameroon, Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso, and the Republic of Benin.
He stressed that satellite technology is critical for national development, affecting education, agriculture, business, and emergency response.
According to him, “The President’s approval of NYCOMSAT-2A and 2B demonstrates a clear commitment to building the future. These satellites will enhance security, connect remote communities, and extend our fibre-optic network into neighbouring countries,” he said.
“Some of these neighbouring countries pay up to ten times more for internet capacity than Lagos. Extending our fibre network will not only improve connectivity but also enhance border security and regional collaboration.
“Satellite technology affects everything, from how a child in a rural community accesses the internet, to how farmers make critical decisions, and how businesses operate across distance.”
On his part, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, welcomed the development, saying the military will leverage the satellites for operational efficiency.
Represented by Major General Kennedy Osemwegie, Commander of the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command (NACWC), Shaibu said: “The Nigerian Army will continue to use space assets to improve intelligence gathering, surveillance, and operational coordination across all theatres of operation.”
