President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate release of approved funds for the upkeep of Nigeria’s space assets, in line with the National Space Policy and Programme.

The directive was issued on Tuesday during the inaugural meeting of the National Space Council at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, with Vice-President Kashim Shettima representing the President.

The initiative seeks to bolster Nigeria’s space programme, promote accountability in project execution, and enhance the country’s competitiveness in the growing global space economy.

Tinubu further instructed that the funding requirements for implementing the revised 25-year national space policy roadmap be submitted to the Federal Executive Council for review and approval.

“I hereby direct that cost of the implementation of the revised 25-year roadmap for the implementation of the national space policy be forwarded to the Federal Executive Council for consideration and approval.

” Nigeria will not watch the new frontier unfold from the sideline.

“We will participate, we will compete, we will contribute. Our space ambitions must be anchored in outcomes, accountability and national value.

“We must build a programme that serves the farmer in the field, the teacher in the classroom, the entrepreneur in the market, the soldier on duty, the researcher in the laboratory.

“This is how a nation turns altitude into advantage,” the President said.

He emphasized that investing in space technology is fueled by opportunities in outer space, which he described as a frontier for innovation and economic growth.

He noted that investment in space technology would support precision agriculture, enhance border security, provide early warning systems for floods and fires, promote safer skies, strengthen communications, and drive a competitive digital economy.

The President also directed the nation’s space agency to enforce space regulations and manage spectrum under the NASDRA Act 2010, while instructing all Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and private sector stakeholders to comply with the space regulatory framework.

He further tasked the Federal Ministry of Finance with ensuring the timely release of all approved funds for the programme.

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, stated that the council approved the “Conditions of Service and Staff Regulations” for the Nigerian Space Research and Development Agency, aligning them with international best practices.

A working group was also established, comprising the Nigerian Communications Commission, the National Defence Space Administration, and Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, to refine the revised 25-year national space roadmap.

Additionally, the council approved the development of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Space Centre in Epe to enhance local satellite launch capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign expertise.