Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal Government has approved the acquisition of two new communication satellites as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and support President Bola Tinubu’s plan to grow the economy to one trillion dollars.
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja during a press conference to mark Global Privacy Day 2026, organised by the Nigerian Data Protection Commission.
Tijani said the approval represents a major shift in Nigeria’s digital strategy, noting that the country currently lacks active communication satellites, a situation that sets it apart from many other countries in West Africa. He added that the new satellites are expected to close this gap and significantly enhance national connectivity.
The minister also provided updates on the Federal Government’s flagship 90,000-kilometre fibre-optic backbone project, which is designed to expand broadband access nationwide. According to him, approximately 60 per cent of the project has been completed, while funding has already been secured for the remaining phase.
He said the combined investments in satellite communication and fibre infrastructure underscore the government’s commitment to building a resilient digital economy capable of driving growth, innovation, and inclusion.