The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) is set to launch a special-purpose platform designed to monitor Nigeria’s space ecosystem.
This is in response to a recent Presidential directive aimed at strengthening national security through space sector regulation.
The national event is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 10:00 AM and will be held at the Professor Robert Ajayi Boroffice Multipurpose Conference Centre, NASRDA Headquarters, Airport Road, Abuja. The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, will officiate the launch.
According to a statement on Monday by Dr. Felix Ale, Director of Media and Corporate Communications at NASRDA, the initiative is critical in addressing growing security threats associated with unregulated use of space-based technologies.
“The special platform is also meant to combat the activities of the insurgents, as intelligence report has revealed that most of the insurgents do not use terrestrial communications system, but specialize in the use of space communication gadgets,” Ale stated.
He warned that the current lack of regulation in the space sector poses serious risks to national security.
“The lack of regulation in the sector poses security risk, hence the need for urgent measures to address the negative trend and prevent misuse of opportunities in the Space sector,” he emphasized.
Ale further highlighted that the move is part of broader reforms led by NASRDA’s Director General, Dr. Matthew Adepoju, to position the agency as “a veritable tool and catalyst for national security, economic diversification and promoter of local content development for the socio-economic development of the nation.”
He also raised concerns over potential threats such as hacking, signal jamming, and data breaches.
“Lack of stringent regulations may expose satellite networks to hacking, signal jamming or data breaches as well as threatening secure communications and intelligence operations,” he said.
The agency also warned that foreign or non-state actors could exploit satellite data for illicit purposes.
“Poor regulation of the Space sector may also allow non-state actors or foreign entities to exploit satellite data for illegal activities, thereby posing a security threat,” Ale noted.
The launch of the platform marks a significant step in reinforcing national resilience against space-enabled security challenges and aligns with Nigeria’s broader strategy for safeguarding its technological and territorial sovereignty.
