NASRDA Commences Space Regulation Mandate with N20 Billion Fund
The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) is set to commence the implementation of its space regulation and licensing mandate following the approval of a N20 billion take-off fund by President Bola Tinubu.
Regulatory Mandate Long Overdue
Speaking in an interview, NASRDA’s Director-General, Dr. Matthew Adepoju, emphasised that the agency’s regulatory functions, as outlined in the NASRDA Act (2010), have remained unfulfilled since its establishment in 1999.
To address this, Adepoju submitted a memorandum to President Tinubu advocating for enforcement of space regulation, leading to the recent approval of funds.
Space Sector Regulation to Curb Misuse
Adepoju highlighted the urgency of regulating Nigeria’s space sector to prevent misuse, particularly regarding security-sensitive activities.
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The regulatory framework will oversee:
- Satellite image providers
- Geographic information system operators
- Satellite-based telecommunications and broadcasting services
He warned that unregulated geographical data intelligence could be exploited by non-state actors, underscoring the importance of strict oversight.
Licensing and Spectrum Management Set to Begin
NASRDA has set up a licensing platform open to public and private sector operators in the space industry.
The regulation will cover Nigeria’s three space segments:
- Upstream – Deep space activities
- Midstream – Satellites and orbital objects
- Downstream – Ground stations and space service users
Although the agency has yet to access the N20 billion fund, Adepoju confirmed that regulatory and licensing functions have commenced.
Benefits of the Initiative
The implementation of space regulation is expected to:
- Enhance national security
- Promote economic diversification
- Boost local content development
Generate revenue from industries such as oil and gas, shipping, and telecommunications, which rely on space technology.
NASRDA’s stakeholders’ workshop on space regulation is scheduled for April 8, where further details on implementation will be discussed.
NAN
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