Tinubu applauds giant strides of Nigeria’s Space program

As Nigeria commemorates 25 transformative years in space science and technology, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lauded the nation's space program as a pivotal driver of national development and global relevance.

Speaking during the opening of a five-day event at the State House, Abuja, organized by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Nigeria Communication Satellite Limited (NigComSat), and the Defence Space Administration (DSA), President Tinubu—represented by the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji—highlighted the program's significant contributions. He emphasized its critical role in addressing societal challenges and strengthening Nigeria’s position as a leader in Africa's space exploration efforts.

The President acknowledged the deployment of space technology in tackling security challenges, boosting agriculture, and enhancing critical sectors like health and education. He urged stakeholders to collaborate on sustainable projects to cement Nigeria’s position in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He further called on the National Assembly to prioritize funding for space initiatives, emphasizing the necessity of cultivating future scientists and engineers to unlock the vast potential of space technology.

Chief Nnaji, represented by Permanent Secretary Mrs. Esuabana Nko-Asanye, underscored the immense potential of the global space economy, projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035. He stressed the importance of investing in space technology to address Nigeria’s challenges and advance socio-economic development. With the approval of four new satellites, the Minister announced that Nigeria would enhance its national security and strengthen the monitoring of revenue-generating activities.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Majority Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, commended the space program’s role in addressing security concerns and preparing the next generation for sustainable innovation. Similarly, Kogi State Governor Alhaji Usman Ododo, represented by Deputy Governor Elder Joel Oyibo, applauded NASRDA's leadership under Dr. Matthew Olumide Adepoju for emphasizing intergovernmental partnerships and leveraging space technology to improve governance.

In his remarks, Dr. Adepoju, NASRDA’s Director General, outlined a transformative three-point agenda to position the agency globally. He highlighted past achievements, such as NigeriaSat-1, NigeriaSat-2, NigComSat-1R, and Nigeria EduSat-1, while unveiling plans for four new Earth Observation satellites, including a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite.

Managing Director of NigComSat, Mrs. Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, reflected on the agency’s pioneering legacy, urging stakeholders to deepen collaborations and scale up Nigeria’s space economy. Similarly, Chief of Defence Space Administration, Air Vice Marshal Lanre Oluwatoyin, praised the space program for advancing national security, technological growth, and economic development.

The event also featured the unveiling of the 25th-anniversary edition of Nigeria Space Digest Magazine and awards to space ambassadors, celebrating a quarter-century of innovation and excellence in Nigeria’s space journey.