President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate release of funds for the maintenance of Nigeria’s space assets, signalling a high-stakes push to position the nation as a competitive player in the global space industry.
Speaking on Tuesday during the inaugural meeting of the National Space Council at the Presidential Villa, the President—represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima—emphasised that Nigeria’s space ambitions are no longer a “distant dream” but a pragmatic tool for national development.
Tinubu stressed that the revamped space programme must deliver measurable outcomes for ordinary Nigerians.
He outlined plans for a satellite-driven framework designed to deliver data-backed insights for policymaking and practical interventions across key sectors.
In agriculture, he projected the use of precision farming technologies to support local farmers and improve yields.
In education, he envisaged advanced digital tools to enhance teaching and learning outcomes for both teachers and students.
He also highlighted the role of satellite systems in strengthening border surveillance and providing operational support for security personnel.
In disaster management, he proposed early warning mechanisms to improve preparedness and response to floods, fires and other emergencies.
“Nigeria will not watch the new frontier unfold from the sidelines,” the President declared. “We will participate, we will compete, we will contribute. Our space ambitions must be anchored in outcomes, accountability, and national value.
”With the global space economy projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2040, the President noted that investing in outer space is a stimulus for technological advancement and economic diversification.
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He directed the 25-year roadmap for national space development to be forwarded to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for final approval.
To protect these investments, the President ordered the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) to strictly enforce space regulations and spectrum management.
He further mandated all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as the private sector, to comply with the national space regulatory framework.
The President reaffirmed that through the Renewed Hope Agenda, the government will remain steadfast in providing the resources necessary to turn Nigeria’s “attitude into advantage” within the final frontier.
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, outlined a series of far-reaching resolutions aimed at professionalising and localising Nigeria’s space industry.
He said the government would reform staff regulations at the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) to align its conditions of service with international standards, ensuring competitive remuneration and reducing the migration of skilled Nigerian experts abroad.
The minister also announced the establishment of an expert working group comprising representatives from NASRDA, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), NIGCOMSAT, and the National Defence Space Administration to fine-tune the country’s 25-year space development roadmap.
In addition, he disclosed that approval had been granted for the development of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Space Centre in Epe, Lagos, a facility designed to provide Nigeria with an indigenous satellite launch capability.
The Minister highlighted that the new Space Centre in Epe is a strategic move to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign nations for hosting and maintaining satellites.
By building local capacity, the administration aims to ensure that Nigeria’s digital economy remains secure and sovereign.
