The Federal Government has approved the procurement of two new communication satellites as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and support President Bola Tinubu’s vision of growing the economy to $1 trillion.
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Mr Bosun Tijani, disclosed this on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, in Abuja during a press conference to mark Global Privacy Day 2026, organised by the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC).
Tijani described the approval as a major shift in Nigeria’s digital strategy, noting that the country currently stands as the only nation in West Africa without active communication satellites. “As you know, Mr President has been very clear about his ambition to build a $1tn economy, and digital technology is central to achieving that vision,” he said.
He added: “Nigeria today is the only country in West Africa with non-communication satellites. And we have been given the go-ahead to procure two new ones, ensuring that we can use that satellite to connect.”
The minister also provided an update on the Federal Government’s flagship 90,000-kilometre fibre optic backbone project, aimed at expanding broadband access nationwide. “The 90,000 kilometres fibre optic project is not a dream. About 60 per cent of the work has already been completed, and the funding for the project is secure,” Tijani stated.
He emphasised that connectivity without adequate data protection is incomplete. “As we bring more Nigerians online, connectivity without protection is incomplete. Privacy is the foundation of trust, safety and sustainability in the digital world,” he said.
The minister highlighted that the success of Nigeria’s digital economy depends not only on infrastructure and talent but also on trust. “The NDPC remains central to building that trust,” Tijani noted.
He commended President Tinubu’s early commitment to data protection, recalling that the Nigerian Data Protection Commission Act was signed into law shortly after the administration assumed office.
Meanwhile, the National Commissioner of the NDPC, Mr Vincent Olatunji, revealed that Nigeria’s data protection sector has grown into a N16.2 billion industry, creating thousands of jobs and boosting investor confidence.
Tijani reiterated the administration’s focus on positioning digital technology as a driver of inclusive growth, improved public service delivery, and long-term economic expansion. Investments, he said, are being channelled into digital skills development, rural connectivity, and institutional reforms.
He stressed the need to match connectivity expansion with stronger data protection measures, especially as Nigeria’s young and digitally active population continues to grow.
The announcement of the satellite procurement comes amid ongoing efforts to address Nigeria’s connectivity gaps and position the country as a leader in West Africa’s digital economy.
