The Federal Government has approved the acquisition of two new communication satellites to strengthen Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and support President Bola Tinubu’s ambition to grow the economy to $1 trillion. The announcement was made by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Mr. Bosun Tijani, during a press conference in Abuja to mark Global Privacy Day 2026, organised by the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC).
Tijani noted that Nigeria currently lacks active communication satellites, making it the only West African country without such assets. The new satellites are expected to bridge this gap and enhance nationwide connectivity. “The President has approved that we procure two new satellites to ensure that we can use them to connect the country,” he said.
The minister also highlighted progress on the Federal Government’s 90,000-kilometre fibre optic backbone project, aimed at expanding broadband access across Nigeria. About 60 percent of the project has been completed, with funding secured for the remainder. Tijani emphasised that digital technology is central to inclusive growth, better public service delivery, and long-term economic expansion, stressing the importance of data privacy and trust in fostering a robust digital economy.
Meanwhile, the NDPC has emerged as a key driver of digital governance, with the sector growing into a N16.2 billion industry, creating over 23,000 jobs and enhancing investor confidence. Commissioner Mr. Vincent Olatunji noted that more than 38,600 Data Controllers and Processors are now registered, alongside 307 licensed compliance organisations.
The development complements the Nigerian Communications Commission’s plans to leverage satellite technology for direct-to-device mobile services, targeting 23.3 million underserved Nigerians. The technology will allow smartphones to connect directly to satellites for calls, texts, and data, addressing persistent connectivity gaps, especially in remote regions.
Tijani concluded that the Tinubu administration is committed to positioning digital technology as a cornerstone of economic growth, ensuring broadband expansion, rural connectivity, and strengthened data protection for the nation’s rapidly growing digital population.
