President Tinubu directs immediate funding for Nigeria’s space assets, stressing accountability and national value in implementing revised 25-year programme.
President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate release of approved funds for the maintenance of Nigeria’s space assets in line with the National Space Policy and Programme.
The President also reiterated his administration’s commitment to the implementation of the country’s revised 25-year roadmap for space development.
Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, gave the directive during the first meeting of the National Space Council held at the State House, Abuja.
“I hereby approve 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,” the President said.
He stressed that Nigeria must actively participate in the global space economy, noting that the nation’s ambitions must be anchored on accountability, measurable outcomes and national value.
“Nigeria will not watch the new frontier unfold from the sidelines. We will participate, we will compete, we will contribute. Our space ambitions must be anchored in outcomes, accountability and national value,” he said.
Tinubu emphasised that the country’s space programme should deliver practical benefits to citizens, including farmers, teachers, entrepreneurs, security personnel and researchers.
“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 and the researcher in the laboratory,” he added.
He noted that investments in space technology are crucial for strengthening cybersecurity, supporting the digital economy and improving environmental monitoring, border security and disaster response systems.
According to the President, the global space economy is projected to exceed one trillion dollars by 2040, making strategic investment in the sector essential for Nigeria’s economic diversification and technological advancement.
Tinubu also directed the nation’s space agency to enforce regulatory frameworks governing the use of space assets and spectrum management.
“I also direct all MDAs, stakeholders and the private sector to comply with the space regulatory framework, including the timely release of approved funds by the Federal Ministry of Finance,” he said.
Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr Kingsley Udeh, described the session as historic and said it produced key decisions aimed at strengthening 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 global standards and retain skilled professionals in the sector.
Udeh also disclosed that a working group of space experts would be established to review the revised 25-year roadmap for Nigeria’s space programme.
Members of the working group include the Nigerian Space Research and Development Agency, the Nigerian Communications Commission, the National Defence Space Agency and the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, among other stakeholders.
The minister further commended the council for approving the development and operationalisation of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Space Centre in Ekpe, which is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to launch and maintain satellites locally.