Nigeria to Launch Earth Monitoring Satellites by 2029

Nigeria is set to launch two Earth monitoring satellites, designated Sat 2A and Sat 2B, by 2028 and 2029, respectively. This initiative was approved by President Bola Tinubu to enhance security within and around Nigeria's borders.

The announcement was made during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Nigerian Satellite Week on March 30-31, where Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, emphasized the importance of satellite technology in driving growth and supporting the digital economy. Mr. Edaton Edehen indicated that the process for launching the satellites is underway, with the close of tender and financing implementation stages expected soon.

The satellites will provide critical real-time data for security agencies, facilitating improved intelligence collection. Dr. Mathew Adepoju, Director General of the National Space Research and Development Agency, highlighted the need for indigenous capacity development in satellite technology to push research and development boundaries.