Tinubu Orders Fund Release for Nigeria's Space Assets

On Tuesday, during the first meeting of the National Space Council held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered the immediate release of approved funds for the maintenance of Nigeria's space assets. This directive is part of a broader initiative to strengthen Nigeria's space program and ensure effective implementation of the revised 25-year roadmap for the National Space Policy.

The Federal Executive Council is expected to consider approving investments in space technology-driven opportunities in outer space, which are described as frontier technology that can advance economic diversification. Tinubu also directed the National Space Agency to enforce space regulations and ensure compliance with the NASRDA Act of 2010.

Matthew Adepoju, the Director General of NASRDA, disclosed that the president approved the procurement of four new satellites, including three optical platforms and a synthetic aperture radar satellite, aimed at enhancing security, maritime surveillance, and agricultural productivity. The government plans to deploy space technology to boost revenue in the oil and gas sector, projecting an annual growth of 18-20%.