Nigeria's NASRDA Nears Completion of $2 Billion Satellite Deal

Nigeria's procurement process for six new satellites, estimated at $2 billion, has reached 95% completion, as announced by Prof. Matthew Adepoju, Director-General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), on October 2 during an interview in Abuja. The Bola Tinubu administration approved the satellites to modernize Nigeria's space infrastructure and replace aging assets that support communications and Earth-observation capabilities.

The Earth-observation satellites will enhance imaging capabilities, while two communications satellites will bolster satellite communications infrastructure. The procurement is nearing its final stage, with formal agreements with international technology partners anticipated soon.

The program includes establishing a new Assembly, Integration and Testing Laboratory for local satellite assembly and testing, expected to transition from contract signing to commissioning within 18 months. The initiative aims to strengthen Nigeria's satellite infrastructure and regulatory oversight in the space sector, linking new satellite acquisitions with maintaining existing assets.