By DAYO ADESULU
Federal Government Targets Satellite Technology for Economic Growth
The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, announced plans to regulate and license players in Nigeria’s space ecosystem. This initiative aims to enhance revenue generation and improve monitoring capabilities across critical sectors.
The announcement came during the inauguration of the Advanced Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Laboratory by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) in Abuja, part of Nigeria’s 25th anniversary of space exploration.
Key Highlights of the Minister’s Speech
- Regulation and Licensing in Space Ecosystem:
Chief Nnaji revealed that the Federal Government would soon regulate and license the upstream, mainstream, and downstream space sectors to curb illegalities and boost revenue. - Satellite Technology to Monitor Oil and Gas:
Satellites will address illegal practices in the oil and gas sector, including pipeline vandalism and leakages, while improving ship monitoring at ports. - Enhancing Agriculture and Security:
Satellite technology will be deployed to monitor earth movements, precision agriculture, and national security operations.
“With satellites, we can see all these things and even boost agricultural activities,” Nnaji emphasized.
NASRDA’s Vision for Space Science
The Director-General of NASRDA, Matthew Adepoju, highlighted the agency’s commitment to leveraging space research for economic growth:
- Private Sector Collaboration: NASRDA seeks partnerships to develop Nigeria’s space ecosystem.
- Focus Areas: The agency is exploring security, agriculture, and environmental monitoring.
- Indigenous Capacity: Adepoju emphasized building local expertise in satellite technology and drone production.
Locally Sourced Drone Technology
Director of AUAVL, Chichebe Akachukwu, shared details about the agency’s drone capabilities:
- Precision Agriculture: Drones help optimize energy use and increase harvests.
- Surveillance Missions: Long-endurance drones can monitor pipelines and conduct other security tasks.
- Local Production: The drones are designed and manufactured using locally sourced materials.
Space Technology Collaboration and Research
The event also featured the launch of NASRDA’s International Journal of Space Technology and Earth Sciences by Mrs. Esuabana Nko-Asanye, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology.
NASRDA urged government agencies and private organizations to collaborate in deploying space technology to achieve national goals.
