In a significant development for Nigeria’s space sector, President Bola Tinubu has approved N20 billion as take-off funding for the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) to implement its space regulation and licensing mandate, a function that has remained dormant since the agency’s establishment in 1999.
Dr. Matthew Adepoju, Director-General of NASRDA, revealed this information during an interview in Abuja on Thursday, ahead of the agency’s stakeholders’ workshop on space regulation scheduled for April 8.
“When I raised that memo stating that our space can no longer be unregulated, Mr. President graciously approved the take-off fund of N20 billion a few months ago to enable us to commence space regulation and spectrum management in Nigeria,” Dr. Adepoju stated.
The NASRDA chief explained that while the regulatory function was encapsulated in the NASRDA Act of 2010, it had remained unfulfilled for over two decades. He emphasized that the unregulated nature of Nigeria’s space sector posed significant security risks and potential economic losses for the country.
According to Dr. Adepoju, the agency has already established the framework for implementing its regulatory functions despite not yet accessing the approved funds. “Within the framework of what is possible for us to do now, we’ve set up the platform, and we are commencing our regulatory and licensing functions,” he said, noting that the release of funds would be subject to availability.
The NASRDA Director-General outlined that the space sector consists of three segments: upstream (deep space), midstream (between space objects and Earth), and downstream (ground stations and users of space products and services). He stressed that activities across all three segments require regulation to protect Nigerian interests.
The licensing platform, now ready and operational, will cater to both public and private sector operators in the space arena, including satellite image providers, geographic information system operators, and satellite-based telecommunication and broadcasting services.
Dr. Adepoju warned that geographical data intelligence could be exploited by non-state actors for illicit activities if left unregulated. He highlighted that the initiative would enhance national security, contribute to economic diversification, and promote local content development.
Furthermore, the regulation is expected to generate revenue from various sub-sectors such as oil and gas, shipping, and telecommunications, which heavily rely on space products for their operations.
As Nigeria takes this significant step toward regulating its space activities, stakeholders are expected to gather next week to discuss implementation strategies and the impact on the nation’s space industry development.
