President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate release of approved funds for the maintenance of Nigeria’s space assets. Signaling renewed commitment to advancing the country’s long-term space ambitions.
The directive issued during the first meeting of the National Space Council at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Where the President was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Backing a 25-Year Space Roadmap
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s support for the revised 25-year National Space Policy and Programme roadmap. Stressing that Nigeria must remain competitive in the fast-growing global space economy — projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2040.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s space assets programme must deliver measurable national benefits, particularly in key sectors such as:
- Agriculture through precision farming
- Security via improved border surveillance
- Disaster management with early warning systems
- Communications and digital infrastructure
- Urban development through smart city applications
According to the President, space technology is no longer optional but central to cybersecurity, environmental monitoring, natural resource management, and the broader digital economy.
Funding and Regulatory Compliance
Tinubu also directed that the cost of implementing the revised roadmap submitted to the Federal Executive Council for approval. He instructed Ministries, Departments and Agencies, alongside private sector stakeholders. To strictly comply with Nigeria’s space assets regulatory framework, including ensuring timely funding releases by the Ministry of Finance.
Institutional Strengthening
Speaking after the meeting, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Kingsley Udeh described the council session as historic. He disclosed that the Council approved new Conditions of Service and Staff Regulations for the Nigerian Space Research and Development Agency. To improve staff retention and align operations with international standards.
The Council also endorsed the creation of a working group comprising the space agency, the Nigerian Communications Commission. The National Defence Space Agency, and Nigerian Communications Satellite to refine the revised space roadmap.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu Space Centre
In a further move to strengthen Nigeria’s space capabilities, the Council approved the development and operationalisation of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Space Centre in Ekpe. The facility expected to boost Nigeria’s satellite launch capacity and reduce reliance on foreign technical expertise.
With fresh funding and structural reforms now underway, the administration is positioning Nigeria to deepen its presence in the global space industry. While leveraging space technology to drive economic growth and national security.
