NASRDA DG Explains Why Nigeria’s Satellites Cannot Provide Real-Time Security Surveillance

The Director General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Matthew Adepoju, has clarified why Nigeria’s satellites are unable to deliver real-time surveillance data to support ongoing security operations across the country.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, Adepoju said widespread misconceptions exist regarding what Nigeria’s satellites are built to do and their technical limitations.

‘Our Satellites Don’t Record Videos’

Responding to concerns about Nigeria’s inability to track recent mass abductions in the North, the NASRDA DG explained that the Earth-observation satellites currently in operation are imaging satellites — not continuous surveillance systems.

“Sometimes there’s a misconception about what the satellites should do and what they have the capacity to do,” he said.

“The one that the military has, and the one we launched in the agency, are imagers. They don’t record videos.”

Adepoju noted that Nigeria’s satellites orbit the Earth on a schedule and revisit the country only after several days.

“NigeriaSat-1 and NigeriaSat-2 take an average of three days before they come back here,” he said.
“If you want global coverage, we need to launch many satellites into orbit. As one is going, another should be coming.”

Tinubu Approves Four New Satellites

Adepoju revealed that President Bola Tinubu has approved the launch of four new satellites to significantly reduce the revisit time.

“This constellation will reduce the time lag to four to six hours, depending on the orbital slot,” he said.

“But we plan to add more satellites so that we can achieve near-real-time capability. We don’t yet have real-time coverage.”

He further disclosed that Nigeria currently operates only two active satellites — one for communication and another for Earth observation.

Nigeria to Access Advanced U.S. Satellite Systems

On alternative surveillance tools, Adepoju said NASRDA has secured a partnership with a major U.S.-based satellite operator after an 18-month clearance process.

The partner operates nearly 300 satellites, which he said could provide Nigeria with sophisticated intelligence capabilities.

“We have signed the MoU and the non-disclosure agreement. The only thing left is funding,” he said.
“It is a robust platform for signal analytics. We can even listen to some of the things terrorists are doing.”

Adepoju also criticised state governments that shut down mobile networks as a security tactic.

“It breaks my heart when states shut down mobile communication. Most of these terrorists are not using mobile networks. They communicate through satellites, and I know that for a fact.”

‘Security Architecture Needs Urgent Overhaul’

When asked what steps Nigeria must take immediately, Adepoju said the country’s security planning structure requires a fundamental overhaul.

“First and foremost, the national security architecture needs to be rejigged,” he said.
“An agency like ours must sit at the table when national security issues are discussed. When you are not present during critical decisions, the information you provide depends on the interpretation of whoever receives it.”

Rising Insecurity Across the North

The NASRDA DG’s remarks come amid renewed criticism of Nigeria’s security agencies following multiple abductions in northern states.

• On November 17, 24 schoolgirls were abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi, though they were later freed.
• On November 24, 11 residents — including a pregnant woman — were kidnapped in the Isapa community of Kwara State.
• In Niger State, over 260 students and 12 teachers remain in captivity following a school abduction, as of November 28.

Amid the deteriorating security situation, President Tinubu on Wednesday declared a security emergency, ordering intensified aerial surveillance and a 24-hour security cordon around forests in Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger.