Nigeria has moved closer to awarding contracts for four additional satellites, after an international competitive bidding process. The procurement has reached the stage of recommending successful bidders, with awards now awaiting further Federal Executive Council approval.

Innovation, Science and Technology Minister Dr Kingsley Udeh disclosed the development on 11 November at a press briefing in Abuja, ahead of the African Space Economy, Innovation and Communication Conference (ASEICC 2026) on 24 to 27 November, organised by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA). The four satellites were approved by President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council.

Bidders from five countries and regions

Companies from China, Israel, Europe, the United States and Nigeria took part in the bidding process. Ministry, NASRDA and Bureau of Public Procurement officials also visited selected manufacturers to verify information submitted during the exercise. Udeh said the next stage, approval to award the contracts, would also require Federal Executive Council clearance because substantial funding is involved. The government has not disclosed the selected manufacturers, the contract values or the technical specifications of the four satellites.

Satellites to serve other African countries

The government intends the satellites to serve Nigeria and other African countries interested in their capabilities, which Udeh said could create partnership and revenue opportunities. Nigeria is also taking steps towards establishing a satellite propulsion and transportation facility in Epe, Lagos State, after Lagos State allocated land for the site. Udeh said the move followed a recommendation from a previous ASEICC conference that Nigeria establish its own satellite launch facility, as part of plans to manufacture satellites and launch them from within the country. He put the value of the African space economy at more than 25 billion US dollars, growing at 7.97 per cent a year.

Sources: Space in Africa, Realnews Magazine