Nigeria Signs Deal With Thales Alenia Space to Build NigComSat-2A
Pecohub Thales Alenia Space has signed a contract with the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) to develop a new telecommunications satellite for Nigeria.
The satellite, named NigComSat-2A, will operate from geostationary orbit and is expected to strengthen communications and broadband connectivity across Africa.
The satellite will provide services including television broadcasting, internet access, voice calls and other digital applications, particularly in underserved and remote communities.
NigComSat-2A will have a launch mass of nearly four tonnes and will cover areas extending from West and Central Africa to Southern Africa.
According to Thales Alenia Space, the satellite will provide additional capacity and resilience to Africa’s communications infrastructure as demand for connectivity continues to grow
The satellite is expected to have an operational in-orbit service life of more than 15 years and will be based on Thales Alenia Space’s Spacebus B2 platform.
NIGCOMSAT Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Nkechi Jane Egerton-Idehen, said the project would strengthen Nigeria’s satellite communications capacity and expand access to broadband and digital services.
“The signing of this contract represents a bold step in Nigeria’s journey toward digital transformation,” Egerton-Idehen said.
She said the project would also support innovation and economic growth while expanding connectivity to underserved communities across Africa.
President and Chief Executive Officer of Thales Alenia Space, Hervé Derrey, said the satellite would enable NIGCOMSAT to provide reliable services and meet the growing demand for connectivity and digital content.
“I would like to thank NIGCOMSAT for placing their trust in our company,” Derrey said.
He added that the contract also demonstrated the performance of the company’s Spacebus B2 satellite platform.
NIGCOMSAT is a Nigerian government-owned company established in 2006 under the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
The company owns and operates Nigeria’s geostationary communications satellites, including NigComSat-1R, which was launched in December 2011.
NIGCOMSAT provides satellite communication services including transponder leasing, broadband connectivity and satellite broadcasting for television and radio.
