Nigeria is set to launch two new communications satellites into orbit by 2029, according to the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, Jane Egerton Idehen.
She disclosed that one satellite is expected to be launched in 2028, while the second will follow in 2029. One of the satellites will replace the ageing NIGCOMSAT 1R, which is nearing the end of its operational lifespan.
The federal government recently approved the new satellite programme as part of efforts to maintain Nigeria’s presence in the global space and communications sector. However, concerns persist over the country’s ability to fully maximise the economic potential of its existing satellite infrastructure.
Despite significant investment, Nigeria continues to record low utilisation of its satellite broadband capacity. Industry figures show that only about 7 percent of available bandwidth was used as of last year, leaving over 90 percent idle. This underutilisation has raised questions about the country’s strategy for space based economic development.
Financial performance has also been modest. The satellite company reportedly generated about two billion naira in 2025, far below its projected target of eight billion naira over a three year period. Although this represents an improvement from the previous year, analysts say it reflects weak demand and limited institutional patronage.
In contrast, several African countries are recording stronger returns from satellite investments. Nations such as Egypt, Kenya and South Africa have integrated satellite technology into their national digital infrastructure, driving improvements in broadband access, public services and economic inclusion.
In Egypt, the launch of the TIBA 1 satellite has played a major role in expanding connectivity. The country now reports millions of satellite internet users, high national coverage rates and increased digital adoption across remote regions, particularly in education, healthcare and financial services.
Kenya and South Africa are also advancing satellite innovation through partnerships with private telecom operators and technology firms. These include direct satellite to mobile connectivity trials and the integration of low earth orbit satellite systems to extend broadband services to rural and underserved communities.
Experts note that Africa’s low internet penetration in rural areas highlights the importance of satellite infrastructure as a faster alternative to traditional fibre networks, which require heavy investment and long deployment timelines.
Back in Nigeria, NIGCOMSAT says it is working to reposition itself as a key digital infrastructure provider, expanding beyond broadband services into broadcasting support, government communications and security surveillance across West Africa.
According to Egerton Idehen, the company has already regained a significant share of the domestic broadcast and government communications market, with key institutions such as the National Broadcasting Commission, Galaxy Backbone and the National Identity Management Commission reportedly returning to its network.
She added that the company now handles over half of Nigeria’s broadcast traffic and is attracting renewed interest from telecom operators and government agencies.
However, she also stressed that government patronage remains critical for success, arguing that public investments in satellite infrastructure should be fully utilised by state institutions rather than outsourced.
Despite optimism surrounding the planned satellite launches, analysts caution that Nigeria’s challenge may not be in space technology acquisition but in effective utilisation and integration into national development strategies.
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