Abuja:The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) reports that the procurement process for new satellites, approved by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, is 95% complete. This initiative aims to boost Nigeria’s space program and replace outdated space assets.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, NASRDA Director-General Prof. Matthew Adepoju highlighted the approval of six satellites, consisting of three optical Earth observation satellites, one Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite, and two communications satellites, designated as 2A and 2B. He emphasized the significance of the Federal Executive Council’s approval, indicating Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing its space capabilities.
Adepoju clarified that these satellites are not nanosatellites, as funding for the program has been secured. He mentioned that the next phase involves contractual engagements with foreign technical partners, expected to be formalized at the African Space Economic Conference in November.
A crucial element of the project is the development of a new Assembly, Integration and Testing Laboratory (AITL) to bolster Nigeria’s indigenous satellite development. The facility is anticipated to be operational 18 months after the contract is signed, enabling comprehensive satellite assembly and testing.
The director-general remarked on the progress in Nigeria’s space regulation and spectrum management, ensuring better oversight and preventing past abuses by foreign entities. He encouraged Nigerian youths to leverage emerging opportunities in the space sector, noting that innovation does not always require substantial financial resources.
The project, estimated at $2 billion, involves partnerships with Israel Aerospace Industries, Thales Alenia Space of France, and China Great Wall Industry Corporation, aiming to support Nigeria’s economic aspirations toward a one-trillion-dollar economy.