Tinubu Urges Boost in Funding to Strengthen Nigeria’s Space Exploration Efforts

President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigeria’s National Assembly to prioritise funding for the country’s space programme to secure Nigeria’s position in the fourth industrial revolution. His remarks were made on Monday during a ceremony marking 25 years of Nigeria’s achievements in space and technology, organized by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) at the Banquet Hall of the State House in Abuja.

In his speech, President Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, urged for a review of the legislation that established NASRDA, to create a more dynamic and competitive space sector capable of holding its ground on the global stage. He stressed the importance of integrating the private sector into Nigeria’s space programme, emphasizing that this would unlock new opportunities for national development. He said, “Great effort should be made to ensure that the private sector is mainstreamed into the heart of our space programme so that we can do more in the coming years for our national development.”

The President also highlighted the necessity of increased budgetary support for the space sector to meet its ambitious goals, which he said could drive significant socioeconomic benefits and attract foreign investment. He appealed to the National Assembly to prioritise funding for the space programme, underscoring that this investment is critical for Nigeria to take a leading role in the fourth industrial revolution. Additionally, he called for strengthening NASRDA’s mandate to boost its local and international collaborations, ensuring that Nigeria remains a key player in the rapidly evolving science and technology landscape.

In acknowledging NASRDA’s accomplishments over the last 25 years, President Tinubu praised the agency for its development and successful launch of satellites and its collaborative efforts with the military on tactical services. He noted important milestones such as the establishment of the Defence Space Administration and NigComSat Ltd, which contribute to Nigeria’s space strategy and its broader national development goals.

The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, emphasized the growing importance of the space sector to the global economy. He highlighted how space-enabled technologies could play a transformative role in areas such as supply chain logistics, agriculture, defense, and digital communications. Nnaji also projected that the space sector could contribute over 60% of Nigeria’s new economic value in the coming years, underscoring the sector’s potential to drive substantial economic growth.

At the event, the Managing Director of Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd (NigComSat), Mrs. Nkechi Jane Egerton-Idehen, also praised Nigeria’s resilience and innovation in the space sector. She spoke about the profound impact of space technologies on various sectors, including communication, security, agriculture, and disaster management. “Our journey has been a collaborative symphony of innovation, determination, and excellence,” she remarked.

In a symbolic gesture of appreciation for the nation’s space achievements, President Tinubu unveiled a comprehensive 400-page compendium, detailing NASRDA’s activities and accomplishments over the past 25 years. The publication highlights the agency’s key contributions to Nigeria’s space programme and its continued commitment to advancing the nation’s scientific and technological capabilities.

President Tinubu’s remarks and the event reflect the government’s determination to support and invest in space technologies, viewing them as a key component in Nigeria’s future economic prosperity and global technological standing.