President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate release of approved funds for the maintenance of Nigeria’s space assets, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the National Space Policy and Programme.
The directive was issued on Tuesday at the maiden meeting of the National Space Council held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The President was represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
Tinubu said the move is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s space programme, improving accountability, and positioning the country to compete in the rapidly expanding global space economy.
He also ordered that the cost of implementing the revised 25-year roadmap for the national space policy be forwarded to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for consideration and approval.
“Nigeria will not watch the new frontier unfold from the sidelines. We will participate, we will compete, we will contribute. Our space ambitions must be anchored in outcomes, accountability and national value,” the President said.
He stressed that investment in space technology is critical for technological advancement and economic diversification, noting projections that the global space economy could exceed $1 trillion by 2040.
According to him, space-based infrastructure is vital for precision agriculture, border and maritime security, early warning systems for floods and fires, aviation safety, secure communications, and a competitive digital economy.
Tinubu further directed the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) to enforce space regulations and spectrum management in line with the NASDRA Act 2010, and mandated all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as private sector operators, to comply with the regulatory framework.
He also tasked the Federal Ministry of Finance with ensuring the timely disbursement of approved funds.
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, disclosed that the council approved new Conditions of Service and Staff Regulations for NASRDA to align with global best practices.
A multi-agency working group comprising the Nigerian Communications Commission, the National Defence Space Administration, and Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited was also constituted to refine the revised 25-year roadmap.
The council additionally approved the development of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Space Centre in Epe to boost local satellite launch capacity and reduce reliance on foreign expertise.
On satellite expansion, NASRDA Director-General Matthew Adepoju revealed that the President has approved the procurement of four new satellites—three optical platforms and one Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite capable of day-and-night imaging—to enhance security, maritime surveillance, agriculture, and support the blue economy.
