The Federal Government has given a nod for the purchase of two new communication satellites as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and advance President Bola Tinubu’s goal of growing the economy to a $1 trillion economy.
Bosun Tijani, minister of communications and digital economy, announced the approval on Wednesday during a press briefing held in Abuja to commemorate Global Privacy Day 2026, organised by the Nigerian Data Protection Commission.
The decision marks a pivotal shift in Nigeria’s digital strategy. Unlike other countries in West Africa, Nigeria currently does not have operational communication satellites which is a gap the new satellites are expected to fill, according to Tijani.
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He highlighted that President Tinubu has been clear about prioritising digital technology as a cornerstone for broad-based economic growth. “The president has now approved that we should procure two new satellites,” the minister said, stressing the importance of satellite capacity in enhancing national connectivity.
Tijani provided an update on the government’s ongoing 90,000-kilometre fibre-optic backbone project, which aims to expand broadband access nationwide.
He stated that about 60 percent of the project is already completed, with funding secured for the remaining phases.
Tijani also emphasised that expanding connectivity must go hand-in-hand with stronger data protection measures, noting that trust, safety and privacy are essential to sustaining a thriving digital economy, especially as more Nigerians come online.
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