President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate release of funds for the maintenance of Nigeria’s space assets in line with the National Space Policy and Programme.
The President also directed that the cost of implementing the revised 25-year roadmap for the national space policy be forwarded to the Federal Executive Council for consideration and approval.
“I hereby approve that the cost of the implementation of the approved 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.
Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, gave the approval on Tuesday during the first meeting of the National Space Council held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
He stressed that Nigeria would not remain on the sidelines as global space exploration and innovation advance.
“Nigeria will not watch the new frontier unfold from the sideline. We will participate, we will compete, we will contribute. Our space ambitions must be anchored in outcomes, accountability and national value,” he said.
The President explained that investments in the space sector are driven by opportunities in outer space as a new frontier for human development, technological advancement, and economic diversification.
According to him, space technology supports precision agriculture, border security, early warning systems for floods and fires, safer aviation, stronger communications, and the growth of a vibrant digital economy.
He added that the global space economy is projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2040, stressing that Nigeria must position itself strategically to benefit from the sector’s rapid expansion.
Tinubu further directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), stakeholders, and the private sector to comply with the space regulatory framework. He instructed the Federal Ministry of Finance to ensure the timely release of all approved funds.
He also urged the nation’s space agency to enforce space regulations and spectrum management in line with the NASDRA Act 2010.
Providing details of the meeting, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, described the council session as historic with landmark outcomes for Nigeria’s space industry.
He said the Council approved new Conditions of Service and Staff Regulations for the Nigerian Space Research and Development Agency to align with international best practices.
The move, he explained, is aimed at offering competitive remuneration to retain Nigerian experts in the space sector and prevent brain drain.
The Council also approved the creation of a working group of space experts to review and implement the revised 25-year roadmap. Members of the group will include representatives from the Nigerian Communications Commission, the National Defence Space Administration, and Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, among other stakeholders.
In addition, the Council endorsed the development and operationalisation of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Space Centre in Ekpe.
According to the minister, the centre will enhance Nigeria’s capacity to launch and maintain satellites locally, reducing reliance on foreign expertise and strengthening the nation’s space capabilities.
