Nigeria to License Space Sector Players for Economic Gains

The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, has announced that the Federal Government will soon begin regulating and licensing players in Nigeria’s space ecosystem to enhance revenue generation.

Nnaji made the statement during the inauguration of the Advanced Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Laboratory (AUAVL) at the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) in Abuja, part of events marking Nigeria’s 25th anniversary in space exploration.

Today, I presided over the commissioning of the Advanced Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Laboratory (AUAVL) complex, alongside the Permanent Secretary Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye. pic.twitter.com/2jF9OabrDZ

— HM Uche Geoffrey Nnaji (@ChiefUcheNnaji) November 28, 2024

He highlighted the role of satellite technology in addressing illegalities in sectors such as oil and gas, stating:
“Very soon, we will regulate and license the space sector—upstream, midstream, and downstream. This is a significant achievement under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.”

Nnaji explained that satellites and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) would be deployed to monitor pipeline leakages, curb pipeline vandalism, track ship activities at ports, and enhance agricultural productivity. He emphasised the ability of satellite technology to monitor Earth movements and improve environmental management.

NASRDA’s Vision for Space Spin-offs
The Director-General of NASRDA, Dr Matthew Adepoju, noted that the agency is committed to deploying space innovations for national benefit, including security, agriculture, and ecosystem monitoring. He added that NASRDA is engaging the private sector to develop the space ecosystem further while emphasising the importance of collaboration with other government agencies.

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“We have achieved several innovative breakthroughs. One of my priorities is to transform these into products and services that directly benefit Nigeria’s economy,” Adepoju said.

He also highlighted NASRDA’s collaboration with Nigerian Communication Satellite Limited and the Defence Space Administration to bolster the space sector. The new AUAVL, he stated, will advance local capacity in space science, technology, and UAV applications.

Locally Sourced Drone Development
Dr Chichebe Akachukwu, the AUAVL Director and Coordinator, underscored the agency’s commitment to local content development, in line with Presidential Executive Order 005. He explained that the materials for the drones are locally sourced, while some components are built overseas to meet specific requirements.

He detailed the drones’ capabilities, including precision agriculture, long-distance surveillance, and pipeline monitoring, noting the lab’s role in offering these services to Federal Capital Territory-based collaborators.

Journal Launch and Collaboration Call
The event also featured the launch of NASRDA’s International Journal of Space Technology and Earth Sciences by Mrs Esuabana Nko-Asanye, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology. Dr Adepoju appealed to government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to collaborate with NASRDA in achieving national objectives through space technology.