President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate release of approved funds for the maintenance and development of Nigeria’s space assets, in line with the National Space Policy and Programme, signalling a renewed focus on advancing the country’s space ambitions.
The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to the realisation of the space policy and programme as outlined in the revised 25-year roadmap for space development, stressing that the funding would enable the nation to participate actively in the growing global space economy.
In his address, President Tinubu stated, “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.”
The directive was given on Tuesday during the first meeting of the National Space Council held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where Vice President Kashim Shettima represented the President.
During the meeting, President Tinubu underscored Nigeria’s determination to assert its presence in the emerging frontier of outer space, emphasizing that the country must move beyond observation to active participation.
He remarked, “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. We must build a programme that serves the farmer in the field, the teacher in the classroom, the entrepreneur in the market, the soldier on duty, the researcher in the laboratory and the policy maker who must plan with evidence rather than guess work. This is how a nation turns attitude into advantage.”
The President further tied the space initiative to his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing societal development and human capital engagement as central to the success of the programme.
He stated, “We shall be steadfast in providing the required support to the success of the space programme as well as relevant resources needed for its growth and the successful realisation of the mandate of the nation’s space agency.”
President Tinubu highlighted the strategic significance of investing in space technology for national development, noting its applications across multiple sectors.
“Space technology remains the foundation for cyber security and a vibrant digital economy. The space economy is rapidly growing and it’s expected to exceed 1 trillion dollars by 2040. When we invest in space, we are not funding a distant dream. We are funding precision in agriculture and security in our borders; we are funding early warning systems against floods and fires, smarter cities, safer skies, stronger communications and a digital economy that can compete with the best in the world. We are funding the confidence of a nation that refuses to be trapped by the limits of yesterday,” he said.
In addition to emphasizing technological advancement and economic diversification, the President directed the Nigerian Space Research and Development Agency to ensure responsible use of Nigeria’s space assets, enforce the space regulation and spectrum management framework under the NASDRA Act 2010, and mandated that all MDAs, stakeholders, and the private sector comply with the space regulatory framework.
He stated, “I also direct all MDAs, stakeholders and the private sector to comply with the space regulatory framework. This directive also includes timely release of all approved funds for this purpose by the Federal Ministry of Finance.”
Providing context on the National Space Council meeting, Kingsley Udeh, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, described the gathering as historic, noting that it yielded landmark outcomes for Nigeria’s space industry and ecosystem.
He highlighted the approval of conditions of service and staff regulations for the Nigerian Space Research and Development Agency, designed to align with international best practices and retain Nigerian experts.
The Minister explained that the council also approved the establishment of a working group of space experts to work on the revised 25-year roadmap, including representatives from NIGCOMSAT, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Defence Space Agency, and other stakeholders in the Nigerian space ecosystem.
According to Udeh, these decisions are aimed at providing competitive remuneration and career development opportunities, ensuring that local talent remains engaged in advancing the nation’s space programme.
A major outcome of the council meeting was the approval for the development and operationalisation of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Space Centre in Ekpe, which will give Nigeria the capacity to launch satellites into orbit and reduce dependence on foreign expertise not only for hosting satellites but also for their maintenance.
The centre is expected to enhance the nation’s self-reliance in space technology, strengthen the domestic space ecosystem, and provide opportunities for research, development, and practical applications across sectors including agriculture, security, communications, and environmental monitoring.
Analysts note that the funding, policy directives, and infrastructure investments announced during the meeting collectively signal a strategic push by the Tinubu administration to position Nigeria as a competitive player in the global space economy while ensuring that technological growth delivers tangible benefits to citizens.