Nov. 25, 2024

President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria will launch four satellites within the timeline of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

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).

Tinubu, who was represented by Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, said that space was previously exclusive to developed countries, but the foresight of Nigerian leaders brought about Nigeria in space.

He said that the early foresight of the Nigerian leaders facilitated the enactment of the Space Act that led to establishment of NASRDA in 1999.

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

“It is obvious that Nigeria can not 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.

According to him, efforts have been made by NASRDA to develop major space programmes 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 into a tripodal support upon which an advanced and more robust national space programme 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 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 programme for us to do more in the coming years for our national development,” Tinubu said.

He called on lawmakers to prioritise the funding for space programmes to ensure the country played leading roles in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

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

“Similarly, the sector will require improved budgetary support to be able to accomplish its programmes, 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.”

According to him, Nigeria space programme remains a platform for the peaceful uses of space for national and globals development.

“This restates our administration’s commitment to continue to support the space programme 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, agriculture, among others.

He stated that the growth would also impact aerospace sector, communications and was expected to generate over 60 per cent 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,” 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 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 programme 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 D-G disclosed that Tinubu’s administration had recently approved for 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.”

The director-general restated the agency’s commitment to building the space programme in the country through transformational research and partnerships, building staff capacity and mainstreaming the private sector into space activities.

He said that over the years, the country had made remarkable strides in space technology, which included the launch of satellites that had impacted disaster management, security, among others.

“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 and advancing our nation’s reputation as a space-capable country,’’ he said.

According to him, today is a call to action and reminder that our collective efforts will define the next chapter of Nigeria’s space exploration.Stakeholders, partners are invited join us to transform our dreams to reality.

Mrs Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, Managing-Director of NIGCOMSAT, said the global space industry was evolving with huge opportunities which Nigeria should leverage.

Egerton-Idehen said, “This calls for sustained investment, robust policy support, and deeper collaborations to ensure that space technology continues to drive economic growth, foster security, and transform lives across Nigeria and beyond.

“Let this 25-year journey not just be a mark of our past, but a beacon guiding us toward an even brighter and more innovative future.”

Highlights of the event were the unveiling of a 25-year compendium of NASRDA activities and space awards presentations.

President Tinubu was awarded with the Grand Patron of Space Award, while the anniversary is a week-long programme. (NAN)