President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate release of approved funds for the maintenance of Nigeria’s space infrastructure in line with the country’s National Space Policy and long-term development programme.
The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to implementing the revised 25-year roadmap for national space development, saying Nigeria would actively participate in global space exploration rather than remain a passive observer.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima during the inaugural meeting of the National Space Council in Abuja, Tinubu approved that the implementation cost of the revised space roadmap be forwarded to the Federal Executive Council for final approval and budgetary consideration.
He stressed that Nigeria’s space ambition must focus on practical national benefits, accountability, and measurable economic outcomes. According to him, space technology should serve various sectors of the economy, including agriculture, education, security, commerce, and scientific research.
Tinubu said his administration’s investments in space technology were driven by the opportunities offered by the growing global space economy, which is projected to exceed one trillion dollars by 2040. He described outer space as a critical frontier for technological innovation and economic diversification.
He explained that space technology would support cyber security, early warning systems against environmental disasters, smart city development, border security, and digital economic expansion.
The President also directed all government ministries, departments, agencies, and private sector stakeholders to comply with national space regulatory frameworks. He specifically instructed relevant authorities to ensure timely release of approved funds to support space operations.
During the meeting, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, described the session as historic, noting that the Council approved improved working conditions and remuneration structures for staff of the national space agency in line with global standards.
The Council also approved the establishment of a technical working group comprising space experts and key agencies including the Nigerian Communications Commission, National Defence Space Agency, and Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited to review and implement the revised space programme roadmap.
Officials also announced plans to operationalise the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Space Centre in Ekpe, which is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s satellite launch and maintenance capabilities while reducing dependence on foreign technical support.
The government said the initiative forms part of its broader strategy to enhance technological capacity and promote sustainable national development through space science and innovation.
