Abuja: The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) is set to commence the implementation of its space regulation and licensing mandate with a N20 billion take-off fund approved by President Bola Tinubu. The Director-General of NASRDA, Dr. Matthew Adepoju, disclosed this development during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Adepoju highlighted that the regulatory function of the agency, as outlined in the NASDRA Act (2010), had remained unfulfilled since its establishment in 1999. He spoke in anticipation of the NASRDA stakeholders' workshop on space regulation scheduled for April 8. Upon assuming office, Adepoju raised a memo to President Bola Tinubu emphasizing the necessity of enforcing NASRDA's regulatory functions, aligning with the provisions of Sections 6 and 9 of the laws establishing the agency. Tinubu subsequently approved the take-off fund.
Adepoju mentioned that he forwarded the memo through Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation. "When I raised that memo stating that our space can no longer be unregulated, Mr President graciously approved the take-off fund of N20 billion a few months ago. This is to enable us to commence the space regulation and spectrum management in Nigeria," Adepoju stated. He underscored the security implications of unregulated space activities, stressing the importance of taking charge of the space sector to prevent misuse.
Despite the approval, Adepoju noted that the agency was yet to access the N20 billion, as the release of funds is contingent upon its availability. "Within the framework of what is possible for us to do now, we've set up the platform and we are commencing our regulatory and licensing functions," he informed NAN.
Adepoju explained that the space sector comprises three segments: the upstream, midstream, and downstream. "We have the upstream, which is deep space, the midstream, which is in between the space objects, such as satellites and the planet Earth. We have the downstream, which involves ground stations, activities, and people utilizing space products and services," he detailed. He emphasized the necessity of regulating activities across these segments to prevent Nigerians from being short-changed.
Adepoju confirmed that the platform for licensing is ready and open to both public and private sector operators in the space arena. Licensing is available for individuals and entities using and providing space products and services. He stressed the importance of strict oversight of satellite image providers, geographic information system operators, and satellite-based telecommunication and broadcasting services. Without regulation, geographical data intelligence could be exploited by non-state actors for illicit activities.
The Director-General further informed NAN that this initiative would enhance national security, economic diversification, and local content development. Additionally, it is expected to generate revenue from sub-sectors such as oil and gas, shipping, and telecommunications that rely on space products for their operations.