President Bola Tinubu has expressed his administration's unwavering commitment to realizing Nigeria's space policy and ambitions as outlined in the updated 25-year roadmap for space development.
In support of these efforts, the president has instructed that funds approved for maintaining the country's space assets be promptly released, in accordance with the National Space Policy and Programme.
During the National Space Council's inaugural meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, President Tinubu remarked, 'I hereby approve that the costs associated with the implementation of the revised 25-year roadmap for the national space policy be presented to the Federal Executive Council for approval.'
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu emphasized Nigeria’s determination to engage actively in space exploration rather than remain a passive bystander. 'We will engage, compete, and invest,' he affirmed, underscoring the necessity for outcomes, accountability, and national importance in the country's space endeavors.
He elaborated on the multifaceted benefits that a robust space program can provide, stating, 'We must develop a program that assists everyone from farmers to entrepreneurs, and policymakers who must base their decisions on factual data instead of speculation.'
Furthermore, President Tinubu assured that his government, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, is focused on societal progress through the engagement of relevant human resources to enhance Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape.
'We shall steadfastly support the successful implementation of the space program, providing necessary resources for its development and fulfilling the mandate of the nation’s space agency,' he added.
Highlighting the potential of outer space as a new frontier for human advancement, Tinubu noted the field's ability to promote technological progress and economic diversification. He insisted that utilizing space effectively will enhance national resource management, and environmental protection, while offering unique challenges for exploration.
He stated, 'Space technology provides the foundation for cybersecurity and fosters a thriving digital economy. The space economy is on an upward trajectory, expected to surpass $1 trillion by 2040. Investing in space is not just a distant aspiration; it translates into practical solutions for agriculture, security, disaster monitoring, and the enhancement of urban infrastructure.'
The president directed the space agency to utilize all lawful methods to enforce regulations concerning space assets in Nigeria, ensuring responsible use for national benefit as stipulated in the NASDRA Act of 2010. He also called upon all relevant government agencies and stakeholders to adhere to the established space regulatory framework, urging the Federal Ministry of Finance to ensure timely release of all authorized funds for these initiatives.
Elaborating on the meeting’s outcomes, Kingsley Udeh, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, described the gathering as historic, leading to significant improvements in Nigeria’s space sector. Decisions included approval of the “Conditions of Service and Staff Regulation” for the Nigerian Space Research and Development Agency to comply with global standards.
Udeh also announced the formation of a working group of space experts to revise the 25-year space program roadmap, incorporating participation from key agencies such as the Nigerian Space Research and Development Agency and the Nigerian Communications Commission.
He highlighted the establishment of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Space Centre in Ekpe, which he noted would enable Nigeria to launch satellites independently and reduce reliance on foreign expertise for both operations and maintenance.
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