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 strengthening the country’s space programme.
The directive was issued on Tuesday during the first meeting of the National Space Council at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The President, who was represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, said the move aligns with the National Space Policy and Programme and is aimed at positioning Nigeria to compete in the fast-growing global space economy.
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 (FEC) for consideration and approval.
“I hereby direct that the cost of the implementation of the 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 stressed that Nigeria would not remain on the sidelines as global space activities expand.
“We will participate, we will compete, we will contribute. Our space ambitions must be anchored in outcomes, accountability and national value,” Tinubu said, adding that investments in space technology should directly benefit key sectors of the economy.
According to him, space technology underpins cybersecurity and the digital economy, while also offering practical applications such as precision agriculture, border security, early warning systems for floods and fires, improved aviation safety, and stronger communications infrastructure.
He noted that the global space economy is projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2040, describing it as a major frontier for technological advancement and economic diversification.
As part of the new measures, the President directed the nation’s space agency to enforce space regulations and spectrum management in line with the NASDRA Act 2010. He also instructed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as private sector stakeholders, to comply fully with the existing regulatory framework.
Tinubu further mandated the Federal Ministry of Finance to ensure the timely release of all approved funds for the programme.
Speaking after the meeting, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, said the council approved the “Conditions of Service and Staff Regulation” for the Nigerian Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) to align with international best practices.
The council also constituted a working group comprising the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Defence Space Administration, and Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited to refine the revised 25-year roadmap.
In addition, it approved the development of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Space Centre in Epe to enhance Nigeria’s local satellite launch capacity and reduce dependence on foreign expertise.
NASRDA Director-General Matthew Adepoju disclosed that the President has approved the procurement of four new satellites — three optical platforms and one Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite capable of day-and-night imaging — to boost national security, maritime surveillance, agriculture and the blue economy.
