Tinubu Approves Funds for Nigeria's Space Assets
President Bola Tinubu has approved the release of funds for Nigeria's space assets, aligning with the National Space Policy and the revised 25-year roadmap for space development. Speaking at the first National Space Council meeting in Abuja, he emphasized Nigeria's commitment to participating in space exploration, stating, 'We will not watch the new frontier unfold from the sideline.' The policy aims to leverage space technology for agriculture, security, education, and economic diversification, targeting a space economy exceeding $1 trillion by 2040. Tinubu directed the Federal Ministry of Finance to release approved funds and mandated the Nigerian Space Research and Development Agency to enforce space regulations. The meeting also approved the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Space Centre in Ekpe for satellite launches and established a working group including NCC, NDSA, and NIGCOMSAT to advance the space programme. This initiative seeks to retain Nigerian space experts and reduce reliance on foreign expertise.