As part of ways to resolve the security challenges facing the nation, security agencies have been advised to leverage on satellite technology developed by the National Space Research and Development Agency, NASRDA, and its subsidiaries.
The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno made this known at the 2025 National Space Research and Development Agency Top Management Retreat in Uyo, with the theme: Beyond the Horizon: Building Resilient Work Force for the Space Economy and National Security.
The Governor noted that through collaborations with NASRDA in intelligence gathering, surveillance, tracking of bandits, kidnappers and insurgents even the menace of cyber crime can be curbed.Represented by the deputy governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Governor Eno stated that the agency has its work cutout as it behooves NASRDA to consciously work towards developing local expertise that will help register Nigeria’s footprint in the global digital and technological space thereby accelerating national development inline with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
‘’ NASRDA should assist our security agencies in the deployment of satellite technology in intelligence gathering, surveillance and tracking of criminals for improved security in the nation‘’
Governor Eno advised.The Governor said ‘’my administration has expanded the mandate of the State Ministry of Science and Technology to include Digital Economy, in line with current realities, and the automation has enhanced efficiency in recruitment, procurement, land management and the general administration of the State.‘’”This retreat is meant to sharpen the vision of participants, reinvigorate their spirit and boost moral to meet with the current challenges of space technology and development in Nigeria” he said
On his part, the Minister of Innovation, Science and technology, Dr Godfrey Nnaji said the theme of the retreat signals a renewed sense of purpose in line with the president’s aspiration to position Nigeria as a frontier nation in innovation science and technology.Represented by his senior special adviser, Mr Robert Ngwu, Dr Nnaji challenged Nigerians to take advantage of the vast opportunities available in space technology as their counterparts in the western world.
The Minister explained “It signals a renewed sense of purpose and a clear alignment with the aspirations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda—to position Nigeria as a frontier nation in innovation, science, and technology.Space is no longer the distant dream of superpowers—it is a strategic arena where nations secure their sovereignty, economic future, and scientific legacy.
For Nigeria, NASRDA stands at the helm of this frontier. And this retreat marks a new beginning—a moment to recalibrate, retool, and reimagine the Agency’s path in line with global space economy trends.”It is often said in Nigeria that “we love money too much.” But if money is the measure of interest, then we must point out that the richest individuals in the world today—from Elon Musk to Jeff Bezos—are heavily invested in space. This begs the question: How do we translate this reality into active private sector engagement in Nigeria’s space enterprise? The time has come for the Dangotes, the Rabius, and other visionaries of Nigeria’s industrial scene to look toward NASRDA—not just as a government agency, but as a gateway to the trillion-dollar global space economy.” He noted.
According to Dr Nnaji “Our Ministry is proud of the progress NASRDA has made despite enormous challenges, and even more proud of your commitment to building a resilient and future-ready workforce. As your supervising Ministry, we are committed to supporting your efforts through policy reforms, talent development, and strategic investment partnerships that will unlock the vast potential of our space ecosystem.”
The President of the Senate, Dr Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senator Ekong Sampson, stressed the importance of capacity building to achieve mandate in the rapidly growing space technology sector.Dr Akabio pledged the Senate’s collaboration in ensuring the agency’s funding to be able to achieve its goal of placing Nigeria on the space technology landscape.
Director General NASRDA, Dr Matthew Adepoju, in his presentation noted that the event is a critical success factor for any organisation to achieve its goals aspirations and mandate.Dr Adepoju explained that the agency is determined to manufacture satellite within the next 5 years in the country and become the technological hub in Africa using home grown technology to achieve commercial quantity of product and services for the country.The retreat which had participants from all NASRDA subsidiaries including the Advance Space Technology and Applications Laboratory, ASTAL, Uyo also featured the investiture of the Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi as an Ambassador of Space Technology.
