The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) says approvals have been granted for additional satellite missions to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity in national security, communications, environmental monitoring and Earth observation.
The Director-General of NASRDA, Prof. Matthew Adepoju, disclosed this in Abuja on Friday, saying the planned missions include optical satellites and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems capable of capturing images at night and through cloud cover.
Adepoju, represented by the agency’s Director of Media and Corporate Communications, Dr Felix Ale, spoke at the Press Week of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
He delivered a paper titled “Research, Innovation and Media Partnership for a Prosperous Nigeria” at the event, themed “Harnessing Nigeria’s Economic Potential for Greater Prosperity”.
He said satellite technology was increasingly important to Nigeria’s economic development, particularly in agriculture, telecommunications, transportation, healthcare, urban planning and security.
According to him, satellite applications enable farmers to monitor crop health, assess soil conditions, forecast weather patterns and detect pest infestations, while supporting border surveillance, maritime security, counterterrorism operations and emergency response.
“Investment in space research is an investment in economic productivity,” he said.
Adepoju added that expanding Nigeria’s space capabilities could create jobs for engineers, software developers, satellite technicians, data analysts, artificial intelligence specialists and geospatial experts.
He said NASRDA was implementing Nigeria’s National Space Policy through satellite programmes, remote sensing, geospatial intelligence, environmental monitoring, research and capacity development.
The agency, he added, was also working to strengthen indigenous scientific and technological capacity and equip young Nigerians with skills in emerging fields, including robotics, satellite technology, data analytics and advanced communications.
Adepoju called for sustained investment in science education, research institutions, innovation hubs, digital infrastructure and space science programmes to enable Nigeria to develop homegrown solutions to economic and security challenges.
On the media’s role, he urged journalists to give greater attention to science and technology reporting, saying effective coverage would help translate complex research findings into information that citizens, policymakers and investors could understand and use.
He described the media as a strategic partner in promoting public understanding of scientific advances and attracting investment to the sector.
Adepoju reaffirmed NASRDA’s commitment to expanding space research and translating Nigeria’s space ambitions into practical socioeconomic benefits.
