Tinubu orders immediate release of funds for space assets maintenance

President Bola Tinubu has directed 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 revised 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, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, also approved that the cost of implementing the revised roadmap be forwarded to the Federal Executive Council for consideration.

Tinubu said Nigeria would not remain on the sidelines as the global space economy expands, stressing that the nation’s ambitions must be guided by measurable outcomes, accountability and national value.

“Space technology remains the foundation for cyber security and a vibrant digital economy,” he said, noting that the global space economy is projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2040.

According to him, investment 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 nation’s space agency to fully enforce the regulatory and spectrum management framework under the NASDRA Act 2010 to ensure secure and responsible use of space assets over Nigeria. He also instructed all ministries, departments, agencies and private sector stakeholders to comply with the space regulatory framework.

The 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 was the approval of new Conditions of Service and Staff Regulations for the Nigerian Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), aligning them with international best practices to retain skilled professionals in the sector.

The council also approved the establishment of a working group of experts to further refine the revised 25-year roadmap. Members of the group include NASRDA, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Defence Space Agency, and the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), among other stakeholders.

In addition, the council endorsed the development and operationalisation of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Space Centre in Ekpe. The minister said the centre would enhance Nigeria’s capacity to launch and maintain satellites locally, reducing reliance on foreign expertise.

The administration said the renewed focus on the space programme aligns with its broader economic diversification and technological advancement agenda.