The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) is set to begin implementing its long-delayed space regulation and licensing mandate, backed by a ₦20 billion take-off fund recently approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Director-General Dr. Matthew Adepoju disclosed this on Thursday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
He emphasized that although NASRDA was established in 1999, its full regulatory responsibilities—outlined in the NASRDA Act of 2010—had remained dormant for over two decades.
“This marks a new era for Nigeria’s space industry,” Adepoju said, noting that the funds will enable the agency to establish regulatory structures, license operators, and enforce standards critical to the nation’s space ambitions.
The announcement comes ahead of a stakeholders’ workshop on space regulation scheduled for April 8, where key players from government, academia, and the private sector are expected to converge to shape the future of Nigeria’s emerging space economy.
The move positions NASRDA to play a more active role in space governance, innovation, and commercialization, fostering a competitive environment for satellite services, space research, and aerospace investment across Africa’s largest economy.
The NASDRA DG said that on assumption of office, he raised a memo to President Bola Tinubu on the need to enforce the regulatory functions of NASDRA.
According to him, this is in line with the provisions of Sections 6 and 9 of the laws establishing it, adding that Tinubu eventually approved the take-off fund.
“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.