Nigeria’s state-owned satellite operator, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat), has reported a sharp increase in revenue, rising from $650 million in 2023 to over $2 billion by the end of 2025.
The disclosure was made at the opening of the 2026 Nigerian Satellite Week in Abuja, an event marking the company’s 20th anniversary.
The more than threefold revenue growth within two years signals a significant shift in the commercial trajectory, reflecting increased demand for satellite-enabled services, says Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, managing director and CEO of NigComSat.
The agency has transitioned beyond its legacy role as a single-satellite operator and now delivers a broader portfolio of services, including broadband connectivity, broadcasting infrastructure, and enterprise solutions across African markets, says Egerton-Idehen.
The development comes as Nigeria intensifies efforts to expand connectivity in underserved areas. As part of a long-term expansion strategy, NigComSat has commenced processes for the launch of two additional satellites, NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B, scheduled for 2028 and 2029 respectively.
These high-capacity Ka-band and Ku-band satellites are designed to support 5G backhaul and national security operations.
Procurement processes have been concluded, and the project is now entering the financing and implementation phase, the CEO confirmed.
The planned deployment is tied to the lifecycle of the existing NIGCOMSAT-1R, which was launched in 2011. While the satellite is nearing its 15-year design life in 2026, the Federal government has approved the acquisition of replacement satellites and is engaging investors to support the transition. The new fleet will support real-time data gathering and intelligence operations for security agencies, reflecting the integration of space infrastructure into national security architecture, says NigComSat.
Regionally, Nigeria remains a significant player in West Africa’s space ecosystem, although it trails continental leaders such as Egypt and South Africa in total satellite count. Egypt’s Nilesat and South Africa’s Sentech continue to post steady operational figures, underscoring increasing competition within Africa’s growing space economy.
NigComSat’s revenue surge, if sustained, could strengthen Nigeria’s position in the sector, but the execution of upcoming satellite projects and sustained investment will be critical to maintaining momentum, according to industry analysts.
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