Nigcomsat trains over 200 satellite installers on refresher' programme to grow capacity
French aerospace group Thales Alenia Space and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) have been selected to build Nigeria’s replacement communications satellites, as the federal government moves to expand national broadband capacity and replace its ageing NIGCOMSAT-1R asset.
The selection follows Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval on August 22 for the procurement and deployment of NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B. The decision allows state-owned operator Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) to advance its long-running replacement programme into the execution phase.
The two spacecraft will provide additional capacity for broadband internet, enterprise connectivity, broadcasting, and government services, particularly across remote areas where deploying fibre-optic and other terrestrial infrastructure is commercially unviable.
Timing for the replacement is tight. NIGCOMSAT-1R, launched on December 19, 2011, carried a 15-year design life that expires in 2026. NIGCOMSAT management estimates that precise onboard fuel conservation will extend its operational utility until 2028, giving the government a narrow window to secure project financing, build, and launch the new units.
