The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu has pledged his administration’s full support to the country’s space programme, describing it as a critical platform for national development and strategic growth.
In a statement released on Tuesday by the Director of Media and Corporate Communications at the National Space Research and Development Agency, Dr. Felix Ale, the President emphasised the importance of space technology as a vital tool for addressing the country’s challenges, particularly in sectors such as security, agriculture, and health.
The President’s comments were delivered by the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, at the opening of a five-day event marking Nigeria’s 25th anniversary in space, held at the State House in Abuja.
The event was jointly organised by NASRDA, Nigeria Communication Satellite Limited, and the Defence Space Administration.
In his remarks, Tinubu highlighted the pivotal role that space technology plays in ensuring national security and positioning Nigeria as a leader in Africa.
“Space technology offers a wide range of opportunities and solutions to various societal challenges,” he said,
He added that it has already played a crucial role in addressing security concerns within the country.
“The deployment of space technology has effectively addressed security challenges in Nigeria and has played a crucial role in ensuring that the country maintains its leading position in Africa,” he said.
He further called on NASRDA and other space sector stakeholders to continue working together to develop a robust space program.
“It is essential that we embark on projects that solidify Nigeria’s socio-economic standing. By doing so, we will be able to play a leading role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, he said.
The President also stressed the importance of continued investment in space science and technology, urging the National Assembly to prioritize funding for the sector.
“This will bring about massive development and significantly boost Nigeria’s image on the global stage,” he noted.
“The space agency needs to remain committed to cultivating the next generation of scientists and engineers to harness the vast potential of space science and technology for national advancement,” he added.
Nnaji emphasised the potential of Nigeria’s space Programme to drive socio-economic development.
“The global space economy is projected to grow to $1.8 trillion by 2035, and Nigeria needs to leverage its space program to address critical national challenges,” Nnaji said.
He also revealed that Nigeria would soon strengthen its national security capabilities through the approval of four new satellites.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, commended the country’s strides in space exploration, calling it “a testament to Nigeria’s vision and mandate to foster innovation and capacity building.”
The Director General of NASRDA, Dr. Matthew Adepoju also emphasized that space exploration could significantly enhance sectors like security, health, agriculture, and urban planning.
“Space technology enhances transparency, efficiency, and accountability in government operation. Our new initiatives, such as the development of Earth Observation satellites, will enhance precision agriculture, disaster management, and national security,” he said.
NASRDA’s efforts were also praised by the Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT, Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, who reflected on the audacity of Nigeria’s decision to establish the first space agency in Africa in 1999.
“It’s important to celebrate our past achievements, but even more critical to look ahead and form deeper collaboration among stakeholders to scale up Nigeria’s space economy,” Egerton-Idehen remarked.
The Chief of Defence Space Administration, Air Vice Marshal Oluwatoyin, also lauded the role of space science in national security.
“The progress in space exploration has been driven by deliberate efforts to strengthen national security, technological advancement, and economic growth,” he said.
He also called for further collaboration to benefit future generations.
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