Nigeria to launch four satellites

Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, announced on Monday that the country plans to launch four satellites as part of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

President Tinubu said this on Monday at the opening ceremony of the 25th Anniversary of Nigeria in Space in Abuja.

The anniversary celebration was organised by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) in collaboration with the Nigeria Communication Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) and the Defence Space Administration (DSA).

President Tinubu, represented by Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, stated that space was previously exclusive to developed countries, but the foresight of Nigerian leaders facilitated the passing of the Space Act that led to the establishment of NASRDA in 1999.

From insightful discussions to exciting programs, here are highlights from the prestigious ceremony celebrating Nigeria’s 25 years in space science and technology. Proud moments showcasing our achievements & future in space exploration.#Spaceat25#NigeriaSpaceat25#NASRDA pic.twitter.com/N1fMdKtJRT

— National Space Research and Development Agency (@NASRDA_Official) November 25, 2024

“Space is an area of limitless opportunities and one in which the advanced countries of the world are relentlessly discovering how the opportunities can be tapped for their advantage.

“It is obvious that Nigeria cannot afford to lag in this global quest of discovering space and how the knowledge from such discoveries can help in solving her internal issues for national development,” he said.

NASRDA has made efforts to develop major space programs in collaboration with the Nigerian Military to develop capacity in the use of space for tactical services, among others.

“Today, the synergy between NASRDA, NigComSat, and DSA has led to a tripodal support upon which an advanced and more robust national space program will be built in the near future.”

“All these giant strides made by this important sector of our dear country are notable and noble with the launch of seven satellites, and efforts are on top gear to launch an additional four satellites within the lifespan of this administration.”

“Great effort should be made to ensure that the private sector is mainstreamed into the heart of our space program for us to do more in the coming years for our national development,” President Tinubu said.

The President also emphasised the need to strengthen the NASRDA Act to help the Nigerian space ecosystem be more vibrant in its engagements, locally and internationally.

“Similarly, the sector will require improved budgetary support to be able to accomplish its programs, whose outcomes can bring massive socioeconomic dividends to Nigeria and her citizens.

“This will also solidify Nigeria’s standing as a leading space-faring country in Africa and further boost her image to competitively attract foreign direct investment because of our locational advantage for cheaper launching services.”

“This restates our administration’s commitment to continue to support the space program to accelerate technological and innovative development.”

In his remarks, Nnaji, who was represented by Mrs. Esuabana Nko-Asanye, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, said the World Economic Forum’s 2024 report projected the global space economy to reach about 1.8 trillion dollars by 2035.

The minister added that the growth would be driven by advances in satellite technology and industries like supply chain logistics and agriculture, among others.

He stated that the growth would also impact the aerospace sector and communications and was expected to generate over 60 percent of the new economic value from space-enabled technologies.

“Space technology offers transformative solutions to global challenges, from monitoring climate change and managing natural resources to enhancing disaster response capabilities.

“Reduced costs and heightened accessibility will encourage increased participation from non-space sectors, integrating space into the fabric of global infrastructure,” the minister said.

He commended the President for recognising the role of space technology in the Renewed Hope Agenda and approving some projects for the agency.

“The President approved for the replacement of NASRDA’s Earth Observation satellites, ensuring the regulation of oversight functions of all space activities in the country and utilisation of space technology to monitor federal government revenues.”

Nnaji called on NASRDA to capitalise on the support of the federal government by expanding its revenue base through partnerships with the private sector.

According to him, the key areas of private sector engagement include commercial space travel, development of satellite technology, resource utilisation, investment in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) ventures, and technology transfer to drive industrial growth.

Earlier, the Director-General of NASRDA, Dr Matthew Adepoju, recalled that over the past 25 years, the Nigerian Space Program had been a beacon of Nigeria’s aspirations in space exploration and development, thereby placing the country on the global map of space-faring nations.

The DG disclosed that President Tinubu’s administration had recently approved the development of four satellites, which included a Synthetic Aperture Radar (5AR) satellite and the first in Africa.

“This transformative project will be executed under a public-private partnership, ensuring the infusion of expertise and investment to accelerate implementation.

“These satellites will significantly enhance our capabilities in areas such as precision agriculture, disaster management, national security, and urban planning while contributing to global scientific advancements.

“Furthermore, we are guided by the recent Presidential directive to integrate space technology into the operations of all revenue-generating agencies, departments, and ministries in Nigeria.

“This directive underscores the strategic importance of space technology in enhancing efficiency, transparency, and accountability across government functions, ultimately contributing to national development.

“Nigeria’s space assets—including NigeriaSat-1, NigeriaSat-2, and NigeriaSat-X, NigComSat-1, among others—are vital tools for national development.

“These satellites have supported critical disaster management, urban activities in security, health, agriculture, disaster immense value to planning, and broadband connectivity, advancing our nation’s reputation as a space-capable country,’’ he said.

 

 

 

NAN/Chidimma Gold