Tinubu Okays Two New Communication Satellites to Strengthen Nigeria’s Digital Drive
The Federal Government has approved the acquisition of two new communication satellites as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and advance President Bola Tinubu’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, announced the approval on Wednesday in Abuja during a press briefing held to commemorate Global Privacy Day 2026, organised by the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC).
Tijani said the decision represents a turning point in the country’s digital strategy, noting that Nigeria is currently the only West African nation without functional communication satellites.
He explained that the new satellites will close this gap and improve national connectivity.
According to him, digital technology remains central to the administration’s economic vision, adding that the presidential approval to procure the satellites will enable broader internet access and strengthen communication services across the country.
The minister also provided an update on the Federal Government’s 90,000-kilometre fibre optic backbone project, revealing that about 60 per cent of the work has been completed, while funding for the outstanding portion has been secured. He said the project is designed to significantly expand broadband penetration nationwide.
Tijani stressed that increased connectivity must be accompanied by strong data protection frameworks, describing privacy as the foundation of trust in the digital ecosystem.
He added that the NDPC plays a critical role in ensuring confidence and sustainability in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
He further disclosed that the Tinubu administration has prioritised investments in digital skills development, rural connectivity and institutional reforms to promote inclusive growth and improve public service delivery through technology.
On data protection, Tijani said the President demonstrated early commitment to safeguarding citizens’ data by signing the Nigerian Data Protection Commission Act into law shortly after assuming office.
Meanwhile, the National Commissioner of the NDPC, Vincent Olatunji, said Nigeria’s data protection industry has expanded into a N16.2 billion sector, creating thousands of jobs and boosting investor confidence.
He attributed the growth to stronger regulation following the enactment of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.
Olatunji disclosed that the sector has generated over N5.2 billion in compliance revenue and created more than 23,000 jobs. He added that 38,677 major data controllers and processors have been registered under the law, alongside 307 licensed Data Protection Compliance Organisations.
He said the commission has received 8,155 compliance audit reports and concluded 246 data breach investigations, leading to 11 enforcement actions, including fines and corrective directives.
Olatunji also noted that the NDPC has issued new implementation guidelines to clarify enforcement procedures and has translated the Data Protection Act into three major Nigerian languages to enhance public understanding.
He added that Nigeria’s strengthened data protection regime has improved the country’s standing among foreign investors and earned international recognition through awards and membership in global data privacy bodies.
The commissioner said these developments form part of activities for the 2026 National Privacy Week, scheduled to hold from January 28 to February 4, under the theme: “Privacy in the Age of Emerging Technologies: Trust, Ethics and Innovation.”
