By Stanley Iwuoha
ABUJA: The National Space Research and Development Agency (NARSDA) has launched a new logo and portal as part of its efforts to regulate the space industry in Nigeria.
This move is aimed at ensuring that space activities within the country are properly regulated and commercially optimized in line with international best practices .
The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, while unveiling the portal highlighted the significance of space in modern economies.
He said, “Space is no longer an exclusive domain of dreamers. It is a domain of serious business, innovation, and national security. From satellites, communications, and remote sensing, to navigation and data systems, space is now central to modern economies.”
He further disclosed that space will drive Innovation and Investment in the emerging global economy.
“We can build a space sector that drives innovation, attracts investment, and delivers real impact for our people. Let us use this opportunity to build a legacy of excellence in space, science, and technology.”
The minister also discusses the importance of regulation and licensing in Nigeria’s space industry.
“With this space regulation and licensing, we’ll be looking at over ₦200 billion annually, with an incremental yearly growth of 18-20%.”
“Your two-year TV is not working, our two-year radio at times is not working, it is because DSTV and other companies are not hosting their equipment at the right bandwidth. With regulation, we will force them to move it up to where it’s supposed to be, he stated .
In his address, the Director-General of NASRDA, Dr. Matthew Olumide Adepoju, emphasizes the need for regulation and international cooperation.
“Nigeria as a forward-thinking nation must ensure that space activities within our jurisdiction are properly regulated, commercially optimized, and in compliance with international best practices.”
Speaking on Stakeholder Engagement, he said, “We seek to deepen engagement with key industry stakeholders to discuss the effective implementation of the 2015 regulations on licensing and supervision of space activities.”
The event ended with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Innovation, Mrs. suabana Nko-Asanye, unrevealing the logo, while Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, unveiled the portal.
