President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the
forwarding of the cost of implementing Nigeria’s revised 25-year space
development roadmap to the Federal Executive Council for consideration and
approval.
The President, represented by Vice President Kashim
Shettima, made the announcement on Tuesday during the inaugural meeting of
the National Space Council at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to
fully implementing Nigeria’s national space policy, stressing that the country
would not remain on the sidelines in the rapidly evolving global space economy.
“Nigeria will not watch the new frontier unfold from
the sidelines. We will participate, we will compete, we will contribute,” he
declared, noting that the nation’s space ambitions must deliver measurable
outcomes, accountability, and national value.
He emphasized that the space programme must directly
benefit key sectors, including agriculture, education, security,
entrepreneurship, research, and policymaking. According to him, space
technology should support farmers, teachers, security personnel, researchers,
and decision-makers through data-driven planning and innovation.
The President assured that under his Renewed Hope
Agenda, the government would provide the necessary financial and institutional
support to ensure the success of the national space programme and the mandate
of the Nigerian Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA).
Tinubu noted that investment in the sector is driven
by the vast opportunities in outer space as a catalyst for technological
advancement, economic diversification, environmental protection, and improved
cybersecurity. He pointed out that the global space economy is projected to
exceed $1 trillion by 2040.
“When we invest in space, we are funding precision
agriculture, secure borders, early warning systems for floods and fires,
smarter cities, safer skies, stronger communications, and a competitive digital
economy,” he said.
The President also directed NASRDA to enforce space
regulations and spectrum management in line with the NASDRA Act, urging
all ministries, departments, agencies, stakeholders, and private sector players
to comply with the regulatory framework. He further called on the Federal
Ministry of Finance to ensure timely release of approved funds.
Speaking on the outcomes of the meeting, Minister of
Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, described it as
historic, with landmark decisions aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s space
industry.
Among the resolutions was the approval of updated
Conditions of Service and Staff Regulations for NASRDA to align with
international standards and improve remuneration, helping to retain skilled
professionals within the country.
The Council also approved the formation of a working
group of space experts to refine the revised 25-year roadmap. The group will
include representatives from NASRDA, the Nigerian Communications Commission
(NCC), the National Defence Space Administration, and the Nigerian
Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), alongside other stakeholders.
Additionally, the Council approved the development and
operationalisation of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Space Centre> in Ekpe.
The facility is expected to enhance Nigeria’s satellite launch capacity and
reduce reliance on foreign expertise for hosting and maintaining satellites.
The move signals a renewed push by the Tinubu
administration to position Nigeria as a competitive player in the global space
industry.
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