Tinubu orders immediate release of funds for space resources…

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of approved funds for the maintenance of Nigeria’s space assets, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the implementation of the country’s new 25-year space development roadmap.

The directive was issued on Tuesday during the first meeting of the National Space Council at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, also approved that the costs for the implementation of the revised roadmap be forwarded to the Federal Executive Council for consideration.

Tinubu said Nigeria will not remain on the sidelines as the global space economy expands, stressing that the nation’s ambitions must be driven by measurable results, responsibility and national value.

“Space technology remains the foundation of cybersecurity and a vibrant digital economy,” he said, noting that the global space economy is expected to surpass $1 trillion by 2040.

According to him, investments in space technology would support precision agriculture, border security, early warning systems against natural disasters, smarter cities, safer airspace and stronger communications infrastructure.

The President directed the national space agency to fully implement the regulatory and spectrum management framework under the NASDRA Act 2010 to ensure safe and responsible use of space resources over Nigeria. It also instructed all ministries, departments, agencies and private sector stakeholders to comply with the space regulatory framework.

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Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, described the council meeting as historic, saying it produced key resolutions aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s space industry.

Among the decisions reached is the approval of the new Conditions of Service and Staff Regulations for the Nigerian Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), aligning them with international best practices for retaining qualified professionals in the sector.

The Council also approved the creation of an expert working group to further refine the revised 25-year roadmap. Members of the group include NASRDA, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Defense Space Agency and the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCCOMSAT), among other stakeholders.

Furthermore, the council approved the development and operation of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Space Center in Ekpe. The minister said the center would improve Nigeria’s ability to launch and maintain satellites locally, reducing dependence on foreign expertise.

The administration said the renewed focus on the space program is in line with its broader economic diversification and technological advancement agenda.

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