Tinubu Greenlights Two New Communication Satellites to Boost Digital Economy

In a major move to advance Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, President Bola Tinubu has approved the procurement of two new communication satellites. The announcement was made by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, on Wednesday in Abuja.

The initiative is positioned as a critical component of the President’s goal to grow the national economy to $1 trillion, with digital technology cited as a central pillar.

Minister Tijani framed the approval as a significant shift, noting that Nigeria currently stands out in West Africa for not having active communication satellites. “The president has now approved that we should procure two new satellites… ensuring that we can use that satellite to connect,” Tijani stated.

The announcement was made during an event marking Global Privacy Day 2026, organized by the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC).

Infrastructure and Data Protection Advances

Alongside the satellite news, Tijani provided an update on the government’s flagship 90,000-kilometre fibre optic cable project, aimed at expanding broadband access nationwide. He reported that approximately 60% of the work is complete and that funding for the remainder is secured.

The Minister emphasized that expanding connectivity must be paired with robust data protection to build public trust. “Privacy is the foundation of trust, safety and sustainability in the digital world,” he said.

Echoing this, the National Commissioner of the NDPC, Vincent Olatunji, revealed that Nigeria’s data protection sector has grown into a N16.2 billion industry. He attributed this growth to the Nigerian Data Protection Act 2023, which has generated over N5.2 billion in compliance revenue and created more than 23,000 jobs.

Regulatory Push for Satellite Connectivity

This development aligns with recent plans by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to leverage satellite technology to extend mobile coverage. The regulator is exploring satellite-to-phone services, which would allow standard smartphones to connect directly to satellites, aiming to cover an estimated 23.3 million Nigerians in underserved areas.

The combined efforts on satellite procurement, fibre expansion, and data protection regulation signal the administration’s multifaceted approach to positioning digital technology as a key driver for economic growth and public service delivery.