The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to generate $20 billion annually from the nation’s burgeoning space economy, according to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji.
Speaking during the launch of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) Stakeholders Workshop 2025 in Abuja, the minister disclosed that the projection is anchored on the recently unveiled space security platform and an ongoing wave of regulatory reforms in the sector.
The workshop, themed around spectrum management, licensing, and regulatory engagement, drew stakeholders from government institutions, the private sector, and academia.
“Nigeria’s space economy is no longer a futuristic dream but a present-day economic lever,” the minister declared. “With space-based surveillance, we can now detect vessels entering our waters, even those that deliberately switch off their transponders to evade detection. This will ensure compliance, enhance security, and guarantee proper fee collection.”
Chief Nnaji emphasized that the government is committed to building a transparent and well-regulated ecosystem that allows both public and private actors—from startups to major institutions—to thrive and contribute to national development.
“Space is no longer the domain of dreamers alone—it is now the frontier of serious business, innovation, and national security,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, the Director-General of NASRDA, Dr. Matthew Adepoju, reiterated the potential of Nigeria’s space program to drive economic growth, national security, and youth empowerment.
“We must remain a forward-thinking nation. Our space activities must be regulated, commercially optimized, and aligned with international best practices,” Adepoju said.
He projected that Nigeria’s space economy could grow at an annual rate of 18 to 20 percent, driven by innovations in oil monitoring, environmental data collection, and maritime surveillance.
The workshop marked a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s space journey, signaling a shift from aspirational goals to actionable economic strategies anchored in innovation and enterprise development.
By Pacesetter News | April 9, 2025
