“The sky is not the limit, it’s only the beginning,” says Minister Nnaji as Stakeholders Unite for Space Reform in Abuja.
kakalistiq.com reports that Nigeria’s journey into a structured and competitive space economy received a major boost on Tuesday as key stakeholders, policymakers, and industry players gathered at the Obasanjo Space Centre in Abuja for a vital workshop on the implementation of Nigeria’s 2015 Space Regulations.
Speaking at the event on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, emphasized that space is no longer just for dreamers: it is a space for business, innovation, and national security. The Minister described the workshop as a landmark moment, one that represents Nigeria’s firm resolve to build a fair, well-regulated, and investor-friendly space industry.
“Our task is clear: to ensure a transparent and forward-looking regulatory ecosystem where both public and private players can thrive,” Nnaji said. “Nigeria must not only participate in the global space economy, we must compete and lead.”
Backed by the 2015 Regulations on Licensing and Supervision of Space Activities, the Minister outlined key government objectives under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, including: attracting local and foreign investment in space activities; enhancing national security through better oversight of orbital assets; supporting indigenous innovation in science and technology; generating revenue through improved regulation and licensing.
Nnaji also highlighted the urgent need to modernize space governance, protect Nigeria’s orbital and frequency resources, and uphold global treaty obligations.
Dr. Mathew Olumide Adepoju, Director General and CEO of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), in his address, described the workshop as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s transition to a commercially viable and globally competitive space sector. “This engagement is about much more than enforcement. It is about laying the groundwork for sustainable growth, investment, and innovation in our space ecosystem,” Adepoju stated.
Adepoju expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the remarkable individuals whose contributions made the event a resounding success. “My sincere appreciation goes to Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his visionary leadership; the Honourable Minister, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, for his unwavering support; and other distinguished personalities, including Dr. Mustapha (DG, ECN), Rt. Hon. Nnaji, Barr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, Engr. Dr. Bindir, Mr. Tope Toogun, Dr. Godstime James, Dr. Ikpaya D. Ikpaya, Barr. Isah Yahaya, Prof. Benjamin Ayantunji, Dr. Idris Jega, Dr. Felix Ale, Dr. Aiyeola Yommy and his exceptional team.
I also extend special thanks to the Local Organising Committee and the dedicated management and staff of NASRDA. Your collective efforts, dedication, and commitment have been instrumental in bringing this vision to life, and for that, I am truly grateful,” he affirmed.
He reaffirmed NASRDA’s commitment to ensuring that space activities in Nigeria, from upstream to downstream, are fully licensed, monitored, and compliant with both national and international standards.
Participants emphasized that regulation must not be seen as a constraint, but rather as a framework for progress, job creation, and technological advancement. Discussions centered on how a robust regulatory environment can unlock new opportunities for satellite communications, remote sensing, spectrum management, navigation systems and data infrastructure.
One resounding theme from the workshop was the importance of collaboration. Public-private partnerships, academic research, international cooperation, and community engagement were all described as critical pillars for building a resilient and innovative Nigerian space industry. “Government cannot do it alone,” Nnaji reiterated. “This is a collective journey, and your voices, your insights, will shape Nigeria’s space legacy.”
In his heartfelt vote of thanks, Engr. Dr. Aiyeola Sikiru Yommy of NASRDA expressed deep gratitude to President Tinubu for endorsing the space regulation initiative and to the Honourable Minister, stakeholders, international partners, and the NASRDA team for their tireless efforts. “Special appreciation goes to the Department of Space Regulation and Spectrum Management, our dynamic DG, and every hand that made today a success,” he said.
He also praised the keynote speaker, Engr. Dr. Buba Bindir and the diplomatic corps, technical experts, and media for their contributions to the day’s discussions.
As the workshop concluded, attendees felt renewed purpose. Nigeria’s strategic shift toward structured regulation, spectrum oversight, and industry expansion has laid the foundations for what may become Africa’s most dynamic space economy.
