The Federal Government has given the green light for the purchase of two new communication satellites aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and supporting President Bola Tinubu’s goal of growing the nation’s economy to $1 trillion.
Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, announced on Wednesday during a press conference in Abuja to mark Global Privacy Day 2026, organised by the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC).
Tijani highlighted that this approval signals a major shift in Nigeria’s digital strategy, noting that the country is currently the only one in West Africa without operational communication satellites. The addition of these two new satellites is expected to bridge this gap.
He said, “As you know, Mr. President has been very clear about his ambition to build a $1 trillion economy, with digital technology playing a central role in achieving that vision. Importantly, the President has approved the procurement of two new satellites for Nigeria. This makes us the only country in West Africa without active communication satellites, but that will soon change.”
The minister also provided an update on the government’s flagship 90,000-kilometre fibre optic backbone project, which aims to extend broadband access across Nigeria. Tijani revealed that 60% of the fibre project has already been completed, with funding secured for the remaining work.
“The fibre optic project is not a dream—60% of the work is done, and the funding is in place,” Tijani explained. “As we increase connectivity, we must ensure it’s done securely. Privacy is essential for trust, safety, and the long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s digital economy.”
He emphasized that the success of Nigeria’s digital transformation relies not just on infrastructure, but also on trust, which is why data protection is crucial. He pointed to the NDPC’s role in ensuring privacy, adding that the Tinubu administration is committed to using digital technology to drive inclusive growth, improve public services, and support long-term economic expansion.
Tijani further underscored the administration’s focus on strengthening data protection, particularly as Nigeria’s youthful, digitally active population grows. He noted that President Tinubu had shown early commitment to data protection by signing the Nigerian Data Protection Commission Act into law shortly after taking office.
Meanwhile, the NDPC’s National Commissioner, Vincent Olatunji, reported that Nigeria’s data protection sector has become a N16.2 billion industry, creating thousands of jobs and boosting investor confidence. Olatunji attributed this growth to stricter regulations under the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, which has generated over N5.2 billion in compliance revenue and registered 38,677 Data Controllers and Processors.
Olatunji also highlighted the NDPC’s recent accomplishments, including 168 training programmes benefiting over 104,000 people, the launch of the National Data Protection Officer Certification Examination, and the certification of 494 professionals. He announced plans for the commission to intensify enforcement of the Data Protection Act, focusing on compliance and public awareness campaigns.
The minister and the commissioner also noted that Nigeria’s strengthened data protection framework has increased the country’s attractiveness to foreign investors. Nigeria’s efforts have earned international recognition, with the country winning the Picasso Award for Best Data Protection Authority in Africa and joining key global data protection bodies.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has also been working on leveraging satellite technology to extend mobile coverage to 23.3 million Nigerians in underserved areas. Through satellite-to-phone services, which allow smartphones to connect directly to satellites for calls, texts, and data, the NCC aims to address persistent coverage gaps, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach regions.
