Nigeria nears contract award for four more satellites ahead of ASEICC 2026

Nigeria's procurement of four additional satellites has reached the point of recommending winning bidders, according to Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Kingsley Udeh, as first reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). He spoke at a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday 11 November 2026. The satellites were approved by President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council (FEC).\n\nThe minister said the international competitive bidding drew companies from China, Israel, Europe, the United States and Nigeria. Officials from the ministry, the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) and the Bureau of Public Procurement visited some manufacturers' facilities to check their claims. Contract awards still need FEC approval because the funding involved is substantial. The report does not name the bidders, the satellite types or the cost.\n\nUdeh said the satellites would serve other African countries as well as Nigeria, creating scope for partnerships and revenue. He announced the African Space Economy, Innovation and Communication Conference (ASEICC 2026), hosted by NASRDA in Abuja from 24 to 27 November, where partners can discuss the proposed satellites. He also said Lagos State has allocated land in Epe for a satellite propulsion and transportation facility, following a recommendation that Nigeria build its own launch capability.

Why it matters: Nigerian satellites offered to other African countries could widen regional access to Earth observation or communications services. The ASEICC 2026 conference is the first place African agencies and vendors can engage on partnerships, and the FEC contract approval is the next milestone to watch.

Sources: News Agency of Nigeria