In a landmark step toward asserting sovereignty and strategic oversight in the space sector, the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) is preparing to roll out its long-overdue space regulation and licensing framework. This move follows the approval of a ₦20 billion take-off fund by President Bola Tinubu, signaling a new era for Nigeria’s space economy.
The announcement was made by NASRDA Director-General, Dr. Matthew Adepoju, during an interview in Abuja ahead of the agency’s upcoming stakeholders’ workshop on space regulation scheduled for April 8.
“Our space can no longer be unregulated,” Dr. Adepoju emphasized. “Mr. President graciously approved the take-off fund a few months ago to enable us to commence space regulation and spectrum management in Nigeria.”
Why Regulation Matters Now
Despite the NASRDA Act being passed in 2010, the agency’s regulatory functions have remained dormant since its establishment in 1999. But with growing global interest in satellite technology, telecommunications, and geographic data services, Nigeria’s unregulated space sector poses both economic and national security risks.
“If we don’t take charge of our space sector, it will continue to be misused—potentially by bad actors,” Adepoju warned.
The space sector includes:
- Upstream: Deep space operations, including satellite launches.
- Midstream: Satellite systems in orbit and the transfer of data between space and Earth.
- Downstream: Ground stations, satellite imagery services, GPS, and other consumer-level space products.
Unregulated, these segments create loopholes that could be exploited by non-state actors, affecting national security, data sovereignty, and economic competitiveness.
Licensing Platform Now Live
While the ₦20 billion fund is yet to be fully disbursed, NASRDA has begun work within its current means. According to Dr. Adepoju, the licensing platform is now active, allowing both public and private sector operators to register and seek authorization for space-related activities.
This includes:
- Satellite image providers
- Geographic Information System (GIS) operators
- Satellite-based telecom and broadcasting service providers
The move aims to ensure that space spectrum usage is monitored, technical standards are enforced, and revenues are properly generated from this critical sector.
Strategic Benefits for Nigeria
Beyond regulation, the initiative promises to unlock massive value across key sectors:
- Security: By controlling access to space-based intelligence.
- Economic diversification: Leveraging local capabilities to reduce dependence on foreign tech.
- Revenue generation: From licensing and services in oil & gas, maritime, and telecom.
- Innovation: Creating new opportunities for startups and research in aerospace and geospatial technology.
Dr. Adepoju concluded with a call to stakeholders across industries to participate in the new framework and help shape a responsible, secure, and profitable future for Nigeria’s space economy.
A New Frontier for Nigeria
With the global space economy projected to reach $1 trillion by 2040, Nigeria’s bold step to regulate and license its own space assets comes at a critical time. As space becomes increasingly commercial and interconnected with daily life—from telecommunications to climate monitoring—this initiative places Nigeria firmly on the launchpad of global space governance and innovation.
