President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate release of approved funds for the maintenance of Nigeria’s space assets, in line with the National Space Policy and Programme.
The directive was issued at the first meeting of the National Space Council held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he was represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
Tinubu also ordered that the cost of implementing the revised 25-year roadmap for the national space policy be forwarded to the Federal Executive Council for approval. He stressed that Nigeria must actively participate in the rapidly expanding global space economy, projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2040.
According to the President, space technology is critical to national development, supporting cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, precision agriculture, border security, disaster early warning systems, aviation safety, and stronger communications.
He further instructed the enforcement of space regulations and spectrum management under the NASDRA Act 2010, mandating compliance by all Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as private sector stakeholders.
Kingsley Udeh, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, said the council approved new Conditions of Service for the Nigerian Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) to align with global standards. A working group comprising the Nigerian Communications Commission, the National Defence Space Administration, and Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited was also constituted to refine the roadmap.
Additionally, the council approved the development of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Space Centre in Epe and the procurement of four new satellites to enhance security, maritime surveillance, agriculture, and economic monitoring.
