The Federal Government has approved the procurement of two new communication satellites as part of an ambitious strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and advance the administration’s goal of building a $1 trillion economy,
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani while announcing the development at a press briefing in Abuja to mark Global Privacy Day 2026, , said the satellite acquisition will fill a longstanding gap in Nigeria’s space and telecommunications landscape.
He noted that Nigeria is currently the only West African country without operational communication satellites, a situation the new assets are designed to address.
Tijani explained that the purchase reflects a pivotal shift in Nigeria’s digital strategy, where satellite technology is seen as essential for expanding connectivity especially in rural and underserved areas and for supporting broader economic growth.
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“The president has now approved that we should procure two new satellites,” the minister said, highlighting the administration’s commitment to leveraging digital infrastructure as a foundation for productivity and innovation.
Officials also provided an update on the 90,000-kilometre national fibre-optic backbone project, which is aimed at significantly expanding broadband access across the country.
According to the minister, about 60 per cent of the fibre backbone has already been completed, with funding secured for the remaining phases.
Tijani stressed that the expansion of connectivity must go hand-in-hand with robust data protection measures to build trust and ensure safety in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
He emphasized that strong privacy frameworks are essential as more Nigerians come online and rely on digital services for education, business, and public services.
