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The Nigerian government has initiated the process to replace its only communication satellite, NIGCOMSAT-1R, and is seeking international investors for the development and launch of its successors, NIGCOMSAT-2 and NIGCOMSAT-3.
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This announcement was featured in the Global Satellite Operators Association newsletter under the “Member in the Spotlight” section, marking the official start of efforts to replace NIGCOMSAT-1R, which was launched in December 2011 in collaboration with China and is expected to begin deorbiting in 2026 after its 15-year operational lifespan.
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NIGCOMSAT-1R was launched as a replacement for the original NIGCOMSAT, which was decommissioned shortly after its 2008 launch due to a solar array anomaly. Provided at no cost to Nigeria by China, NIGCOMSAT-1R has faced internal challenges but has successfully delivered communications, internet services, health support, agricultural assistance, environmental protection, and national security benefits. It currently supports connectivity designed for Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, particularly in rural regions.
“We are calling for collaborators and investors to ensure the successful execution of this project,” said Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT, Mrs. Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, emphasizing the project’s importance for Nigeria’s technological infrastructure.
The new satellites, NIGCOMSAT-2 and NIGCOMSAT-3, aim to enhance the company’s capacity to address connectivity gaps in Nigeria, Africa, and globally, where the satellite communications market is growing.
Future of NIGCOMSAT
Egerton-Idehen’s leadership may be reflecting the government’s decision to retain ownership of NIGCOMSAT, avoiding privatization for now. Her mandate includes repositioning the company to be competitive and self-funding. The planned launches of NIGCOMSAT-2 and NIGCOMSAT-3 with investor funding could also reposition the company’s assets and address criticisms regarding its profitability.
The proposal for NIGCOMSAT-2 and NIGCOMSAT-3 was first introduced in 2021 by former Minister of Communications, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, with a $550 million loan plan from China-Exim Bank, which ultimately failed due to opposition concerned with NIGCOMSAT-1R’s profitability even in the face of argument put forward by then Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT, Dr. Abimbola Alale at a stakeholder forum in Lagos.
Despite these challenges, Egerton-Idehen has focused on improving the company’s technical capabilities and market presence through increased engagement with private sector connectivity providers such as Hotspot Network and Infratel Africa.
