President Bola 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 President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, gave the directive on Tuesday during the first meeting of the National Space Council at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Tinubu also approved that the cost of implementing the revised 25-year roadmap for Nigeria’s space development be forwarded to the Federal Executive Council for consideration and approval.
“I hereby approve that the cost of the implementation of the approved revised 25-year roadmap for the implementation of the national space policy be forwarded to the Federal Executive Council for consideration and approval,” he said.
The President emphasised that Nigeria must actively participate in the rapidly expanding global space economy.
“Nigeria will not watch the new frontier unfold from the sideline. We will participate, we will compete, we will contribute. Our space ambitions must be anchored in outcomes, accountability and national value,” he stated.
He stressed that space investments must deliver tangible benefits across sectors including agriculture, education, entrepreneurship, security, research and policymaking.
According to Tinubu, space technology underpins cybersecurity and the digital economy, adding that the global space economy is projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2040.
“When we invest in space, we are not funding a distant dream. We are funding precision in agriculture and security in our borders; we are funding early warning systems against floods and fires, smarter cities, safer skies, stronger communications and a digital economy that can compete with the best in the world,” he said.
The President directed the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) to enforce space regulations and spectrum management in line with the NASDRA Act 2010.
He also ordered all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), stakeholders and private sector players to comply with the space regulatory framework, including ensuring the timely release of approved funds by the Federal Ministry of Finance.
Speaking on the resolutions reached, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, described the meeting as historic with landmark decisions for Nigeria’s space ecosystem.
Among the approvals was the “Conditions of Service and Staff Regulation” for NASRDA, aimed at aligning remuneration and operational standards with international best practices to retain skilled professionals in the sector.
The Council also approved the establishment of a working group of space experts to refine the revised 25-year roadmap. Members of the group include NASRDA, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Defence Space Agency, and Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), among other stakeholders.
Additionally, the Council approved the development and operationalisation of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Space Centre in Ekpe.
According to the minister, the centre will enhance Nigeria’s capacity to launch satellites into orbit and reduce dependence on foreign expertise for satellite hosting and maintenance.
What you should know
President Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of funds for maintaining Nigeria’s space assets and endorsed the revised 25-year space development roadmap.
The National Space Council also approved regulatory reforms, improved staff conditions for NASRDA, and the establishment of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Space Centre to strengthen Nigeria’s role in the global space economy.
