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  • NASRDA, EFCC to deploy intelligence against crime

    NASRDA, EFCC to deploy intelligence against crime

    National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have partnered to strengthen national security and enforce accountability in Nigeria’s expanding space sector.

    The two agencies have signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

    Director, Media and Corporate Communications of NASRDA, Dr Felix Ale, explained that Director-General of NASRDA, Dr. Matthew Adepoju stressed the importance of deploying geospatial intelligence in crime prevention. 

    He explained that the Space Agency is proud to partner with the EFCC to strengthen the implementation of national space regulations, improve spectrum management, and enhance oversight of activities within Nigeria’s rapidly expanding space ecosystem.

    Describing the MoU as a milestone for justice and accountability, the NASRDA boss emphasized that the agreement would ensure that both local and international organisations operating within Nigeria’s space sector fully comply with existing laws and regulatory frameworks.

    ‎Dr Adepoju further identified illegal mining as a major contributor to insecurity in the country, stressing that NASRDA remains committed to regulating operators across the upstream, midstream, and downstream segments of the space sector to ensure full legal compliance.

    Read Also: Glitches: EFCC returns N802.4m to First Bank

    ‎According to him, the EFCC is the ideal partner for this mission, given the Commission’s strong leadership, sound institutional management, and proven track record under its current Chairman Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede.

    Dr. Adepoju said NASRDA will deploy advanced space and geospatial technologies to support the commission in carrying out its mandate more efficiently and in line with international best practice.

    ‎He described the partnership as the beginning of a new chapter for both institutions one that promises stronger enforcement, improved national security, a more transparent and compliant space sector in Nigeria.

    In his remarks, Mr. Olukoyede described the MoU as a clear demonstration of how inter-agency cooperation strengthens institutional capacity and makes mandate delivery more effective.

    He explained that a functional partnership between both parties would serve as a model for other ministries, departments, and agencies to embrace cooperation as a pathway to stronger governance and national advancement.

    ‎Mr Olukoyede said NASRDA would supply advanced technologies to strengthen the EFCC’s investigative and asset-tracking capabilities, while the Commission would apply its expertise to maximise the Agency’s fraud-risk intelligence.

  • Space technology necessity for national prosperity, security – FG

    Space technology necessity for national prosperity, security – FG

    The Federal Government on Tuesday said that space technology and exploration was a necessity for national growth and security that could be used to address global challenges.

    Dr Felix Ale, Director, Media and Corporate Communications, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) said this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Abuja on Wednesday.

    Ale said that the President said this during his Brazil state visit at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Nigeria and Brazil.

    The signing of the (MOU) which was witnessed by the Brazilian President,Luiz Lula da Silva was done by Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology and Mrs Luciana Santos, Brazil’s Science Minister.

    Nnaji in his remarks before the signing of the MoU noted that space technology was no longer a luxury but a necessity for national prosperity and security.

    He noted that government leaders and industry experts underscored the strategic role of space technology in addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, disaster management and digital transformation.

    ”The MoU is a statement of shared vision with space technology offering Africa and Latin America a powerful tool to leapfrog into the future economy.

    Read Also: FG targets 40% local content, 30% EV production with new automotive centre in Ikorodu 

    “Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria is committed to building an ecosystem of innovation, leveraging satellites, rocketry, and data analytics to drive inclusive growth and prosperity,” he said.

    The minister also said that the agreement was expected to pave way for joint satellite missions for agriculture, climate monitoring and national security, alongside cooperation in space vehicle engineering, capacity building and ensure technology transfer.

    He added that Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications would be deployed for forest conservation in the Amazon and Nigeria, Cameroon basins, while Earth observation systems would strengthen resilience against natural disasters and food insecurity.

    ”Stakeholders believe this cooperation will create unprecedented opportunities for researchers, entrepreneurs, investors and youth in both countries, while reinforcing global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    ”The signing of the MOU marks a new era in Nigeria Brazil relations, demonstrating that space science and technology are not just about exploration, but about building economies, empowering people, enhancing security, and safeguarding the planet,” Nnaji said.

    Similarly, Santos highlighted Brazil’s global leadership in satellite development and bio economy applications, affirming that collaboration with Nigeria would not only strengthen bilateral ties but also deliver solutions with planetary relevance.

    President Lula da Silva, on his part described the partnership as a bridge of innovation and solidarity between two great nations of the Global South. 

    (NAN)

  • OSGoF, NASRDA seek presidential intervention on satellite investment, iron ore deposit exploration

    OSGoF, NASRDA seek presidential intervention on satellite investment, iron ore deposit exploration

    The Surveyor General of the Federation, Surv. Adeyemi Adebomehin, has called for urgent presidential intervention to accelerate investment in high-precision satellites for Nigeria. 

    He stressed that such a move is essential to curb the financial losses incurred by government agencies that currently rely on foreign sources for satellite data.

    This comes as the Director General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Matthew Adepoju, raised concerns over the urgent need to identify new iron ore deposits for future industrial use, warning that the current reserves in Ajaokuta could be exhausted within a decade of full-scale operations at the Ajaokuta Steel Complex.

    These emerged during a strategic meeting that focused on strengthening inter-agency collaboration in areas such as geospatial data management, satellite services, communication infrastructure, and support for the forthcoming national census in Abuja on Tuesday between the Surveyor General of the Federation and NASRDA management team, led by Dr. Adepoju.

    Adebomehin who underscored the need for Nigeria to acquire satellites capable of delivering sub-10cm accuracy, said it is a critical requirement for national planning, defense operations, and infrastructure development. 

    In a statement by Henry David, the Head of Information and Public Relations at the OSGoF on Wednesday, the Surveyor General stressed that such procurement should be prioritized at the highest level of government, saying, “In terms of satellite services, the government is losing huge sums due to MDAs procuring data from foreign sources.

    “You may still have to find a way to meet Mr President and ask him that you want a satellite that can give an accuracy of less than 10 centimetres. 

    “In terms of a satellite you need the requisite system and the software, in order to stop what the government is losing in terms of MDA going out to acquire satellites. 

    ” I will still want you to assist us more. I’m saying on the side of the satellite”

    Dr. Adepoju, in his remarks, highlighted the urgent need for joint action in identifying new mineral deposits for future industrial use, especially as existing steel resources in Ajaokuta are projected to be depleted within a decade. 

    He expressed NASRDA’s willingness to work alongside OSGoF and the Ministry of Steel Development to support national industrialization goals.

    Both agencies also raised concerns about health risks associated with poorly regulated telecommunication infrastructure. 

    They cited increasing cancer rates potentially linked to ground stations and telecom masts placed in densely populated areas. 

    They jointly recommended co-location of telecom infrastructure a global best practice to minimize radiation exposure and ensure more effective regulation.

    Read Also: Akpabio: NASRDA key to solving Nigeria’s security, economic challenges

    The meeting emphasized the critical importance of collaboration with the National Population Commission (NPC) ahead of the national census. 

    The agencies pledged technical support to ensure the accuracy and credibility of population data, noting that reliable geospatial and surveying inputs are foundational to census planning.

    Director of Geodesy at OSGoF, Surv. Duniya Joseph, echoed the need for stronger cooperation among government bodies, saying, “When agencies work together, especially with OSGoF, outcomes are better, as seen in military collaborations. 

    “The problem is too much silo thinking driven by budgets. We need to focus on shared advantages”.

    In a show of solidarity, the NASRDA team presented symbolic gifts to the SGOoF, welcoming him as a key partner in national development and as a member of the extended NASRDA family.

  • Akpabio: NASRDA key to solving Nigeria’s security, economic challenges

    Akpabio: NASRDA key to solving Nigeria’s security, economic challenges

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has described the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) as a critical institution for addressing Nigeria’s security and socio-economic challenges, pledging the full support of the National Assembly.

    Speaking through Senator Samson Akong at NASRDA’s 2025 Top Management Retreat held in Uyo, Akpabio emphasised the agency’s strategic importance.

    The retreat, themed “Beyond the Horizon: Building a Resilient Workforce for Space Economy and National Security,” brought together stakeholders to discuss the future of space technology in national development.

    In a statement by NASRDA’s Director of Media and Corporate Communications, Dr. Felix Ale, Akpabio stressed the urgent need for increased investment in space science and technology.

    He warned that Nigeria could fall behind in the global knowledge economy if strategic actions are not taken now.

    “NASRDA must work closely with the National Assembly,” Akpabio said. “We must harness the agency’s technological expertise to enhance national security, particularly in real-time surveillance and monitoring of black spots and ungoverned areas.”

    Also speaking at the event, Akwa Ibom State Governor Pastor Umoh Bassey Eno, represented by Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi, praised the retreat as timely and essential for aligning NASRDA’s efforts with national development goals.

    Read Also: Akpabio urges ECOWAS on unity, economic stability

    He urged the agency to intensify its capacity-building programmes.

    Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, represented by Dr. Robert Ngwu, described the retreat as both timely and visionary.

    He said space technology is now a key frontier for asserting national sovereignty, economic strength, and technological leadership.

    NASRDA’s Director General, Dr. Matthew Adepoju, reiterated the agency’s mission to provide space-based solutions powered by indigenous talent.

    He said the retreat aims to chart a new course for NASRDA, strengthen its internal capacity, and reposition it for greater national impact.

  • Canadian Governor-General lauds NASRDA

    the Canadian Governor-General, Ms. Julie Payette has praised the Nigeria Space Research Development Agency (NASRDA) for sustaining Nigeria’s space programme.

    According to her, technology should be used to break new grounds. Turning to the students and NASRDA three Space ambassadors earlier introduced by the Minister of Science & Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, she challenged them to study and work hard so they can play major roles in space in the future. The Space Ambassadors were selected through a competitive exam in the Sciences from primary, junior and senior secondary schools throughout the country by NASRDA.

    Daring the students in general and the space ambassadors in particular, Payette, an astronaut herself who had flown two missions to space said: “Maybe you will come and work with them (NASRDA). Maybe you will fly in space or maybe you will go and build hotels in space. Maybe some of you will join an astronaut programme and you will fly not only in space but to another planet or to the moon and help construct a base, a school or house.”

    The Governor-General was speaking at NASRDA Conference Hall to students selected from different primary and secondary schools in Abuja and other space enthusiasts during her visit to the agency recently. She said, “We are here to witness a partnership with Nigeria in trade, in commerce, in innovation, technology and culture. We are supporting many programmes both in Abuja and Lagos especially in youth, innovation and technology; three areas that Nigeria is well equipped in.” She later donated some of her personal mementoes from space to the NASRDA Space Museum.

    In his remarks, Dr. Onu said her visit will not only help strengthen the relationship between Nigeria and Canada but will also help encourage young Nigerian girls and women to study Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

    On his part, NASRDA Director-General, Prof. Seidu Mohammed said Nigeria and Canada have been working together for several years. “Some of our junior colleagues here have done internship with Canadian Space Agency. Space creates a major platform for collaboration.  Space has supported the world in creating new opportunities; looking at the health of crops and helping us to monitor climate change. We believe we have contributed more to human civilization.”

     

     

  • Nigeria, others to witness ‘total lunar eclipse’, says NASRDA

    NIGERIA, like most part of Africa, Middle East, Southern Asia and Indian Ocean region, will witness total lunar eclipse on Friday, the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) said yesterday.

    In a statement, NASRDA Head, Media and Corporate Communications Dr. Felix Ale said the eclipse in Nigeria will start around 6:44pm as partial eclipse and developed into a total eclipse around 7:30pm.

    The eclipse is expected to reach its peak around 9:21pm and wane from then until it ends around 12:30am on Saturday.

    According to the statement, the total eclipse will last for about one hour and 43 minutes, making it the longest total lunar eclipse of the 21st century.

    Ale explained that no other lunar eclipse in the century will be as long as the one expected on Friday, saying the moon is expected to turn reddish as against the familiar whitish appearance in the period of totality. “Hence the appellation of ‘Blood Moon’, he said.

    The NASRDA’s spokesman explained that a “blood moon” happens when earth’s moon is in full eclipse and has no special astronomical significance.

    The view in the sky is striking as the usually whitish moon becomes red or ruddy-brown, Ale said.

    According to him, the moon orbits around the earth, while earth orbits around the sun. The moon takes about 27 days to orbit Earth and goes through regular phases in a 29.5-day cycle. Lunar eclipses can only occur during a full moon when the sun fully illuminates the surface.

    Ale explained that not all full moon has eclipse because the moon orbits in a slightly different plane than the Earth and the Sun.

    He noted that when the planes coincide and the earth passes in between the Moon and the Sun, it cut off the sun rays from reaching the moon directly and thereby causing an eclipse.

    If earth partially blocks the sun, and the darkest part of its shadow falls across the moon’s surface, it is called a partial eclipse. Hence a black shadow will be seen taking a bite out of the moon. Sometimes, the moon passes through the lighter part of Earth’s shadow, causing a penumbral eclipse and total eclipse occur when the earth completely block Sun rays from reaching the Moon.

    The next total lunar eclipse that will be visible in Nigeria, the statement added, will occur on January 21, 2019.

     

     

  • FG to commit more resources to space research

    The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonaya Onu, has said that the Federal Government will commit more resources to space research and development.

    The minister made this known to our reporter on Monday at Anyigba,  Kogi, while inaugurating a new laboratory complex and engineering workshop built by the  Centre for Atmospheric Research (CAR).

    He noted that science, technology and innovation were critical to the development of any nation, saying this informed the decision by the Federal Government to provide more funds for the sector.

    Onu said there was the need to establish the centre because the country could not continue to be indifferent to global trends in space research.

    “We want to be at the frontier of knowledge. We cannot afford not to participate in space research and development,” he said.

    He also lauded the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) for establishing the centre, stressing that it was of critical importance to the country.

    The Director-General of NASRDA, Prof. Mohammed Seidu, said that the centre’s mandate was to provide sound education, research and knowledge in lower atmosphere, upper atmosphere, atmospheric chemistry and environmental sciences.

    He said that the centre was also mandated to conduct environmental research, tropospheric and trans-ionospheric radio propagation research, solar physics, solar terrestrial interactions, space weather, human space technology initiative and space debris among others.

    Seidu said that the centre had researched into safer air travel system and better security for space assets, space weather study and study on the cause, impact and mediation of 2012 flood over Nigeria.

    He said that Monday’s inauguration marked the successful completion of the first phase of the project and the commencement of the second phase.

    The second phase, he said, would include administrative block and ground receiving station to enable the installation of required equipment for research activities.

    In his address of welcome, the Director of CAR, Prof.  Babatunde Rabiu, said that the centre was one of the seven autonomous research and development centres of NASRDA in the country.

    He said the Centre on Feb.12 commenced the daily dissemination of space weather condition in West Africa.

    Rabiu said that atmospheric and space facilities at the centre were running perfectly and had afforded it to run 19 weather stations in 19 locations in the country.

    He thanked the Federal Government for releasing funds for the completion of the centre, promising that the facilities would be put to good use.

    NAN

     

  • NASRDA encourages students to participate in space programmes

    The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) on Monday urged students to participate in inter-school space programmes.

    The Chairman of NASRDA Space Ambassador Scheme, Dr. Ayantunji Benjamin, made the call in Abuja.

    He said the agency recently organised inter-state competition for space ambassadorship competition and exhibition for secondary school students “to introduce the young ones to space science and technology early in life.”

    Benjamin decried that only few states were represented in the inter-state competition, adding that “the inability of states to present students for the competition deterred the children from showcasing their talents.

    He said: “We encourage state governments to respond to our invitation.

    “We have data base of students who participated in the last inter-schools space competition/exhibition and as an agency, we plan to follow them up and encourage their ideas.

    “However, we want more states to embrace the idea.

    “The realness of the Nigerian child is better imagined, children came with different challenging projects and judges accessed them.

    “The projects were accessed based on different criteria, namely — presentation and the scientific theory behind the project, among others.”

    He said states that participated in the competition included Kano, Kaduna, Edo, Oyo, Benue, Ogun and the Federal Capital Territory.

    NAN

  • Ramadan may end on Sunday, says NASRDA

    The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA)  has said that the appearance of the first astronomical lunar crescent which would signifies the end of Ramadan fast will be recorded in Nigeria on Sunday between the hours of 6.29pm and 8.40pm.

    A statement by NASRDA Head, Media and Corporate Communications, Dr Felix Ale said, the first appearance of the moon can only be sighted with naked eyes given a very cloudless sky without any atmospheric disturbance, while the first lunar crescent can be best sighted with the aid of charged couple device imaging, astronomical telescope or any optical astronomy instrument.

    He admitted that officially announcement to terminate Ramadan fast would be done by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar in line with Islamic tradition.

    The agency explained that the first astronomical lunar crescent on Sunday would have Port Harcourt, Adamawa, Maiduguri, Taraba, and Damaturu as first to witness the appearance of the first young Lunar Crescent at about 6:29 pm concurrently to 7:20 pm; while the Lunar Crescent will be sighted lastly in Sokoto State between 7:49 pm – 8:40 pm.

    The statement said: “All other states of the federation will experience the Lunar Crescent between the estimated time of 6:29 pm and 8:40 pm on June 25.

    “The results released by the Agency indicate precise dates, appearance time of the first crescent, sunset as well as moon set time for all the states capital of the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

    “In Abuja for instance, the first Lunar crescent will appear between 7:37 pm and 8:28 pm, with sunset at about 6:56 pm, and moon set at about 8:28 pm. While in Kano the appearance of the first lunar crescent will be experienced between 7:34 pm – 8:25 pm, with sunset and moonset at about 6:54 pm and 8:35 pm respectively.

    The first lunar crescent will appear in Katsina between the hours of 7:39 pm to 8:30 pm with sunset and moonset at about 6:59 pm and 8:30 pm. The Lunar crescent for Enugu is between 7:29 pm – 8:21 pm, while in Kaduna it will be between 7:36 pm and 8:27 pm. The sun and the moon are expected to set in Enugu at about 6:55 pm and 8:27 pm, and they will expectedly set in Kaduna at about 6:48 pm and 7:41 pm.

    “The Southwest states of Lagos and Ibadan will expectedly experience the first Lunar crescent between 7:46 pm and8:39 pm, and 7:45 pm and 8:37 pm respectively. And the sun will set in these states at about 7:04 pm and 8:39 pm, while the moon will set at about 7:04 pm and 8:37 pm respectively.”

  • Nigeria to launch Africa’s 1st nanosatellite

    Nigeria to launch Africa’s 1st nanosatellite

    Nigeria is to launch Africa’s first nanosatellite (an artificial satellite with a wet mass between one and 10 kg 2.2–22 lb) into the orbit, the Director-General of National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Prof Seidu Mohammed, has said.

    Mohammed told the Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in New York that the Nigeria’s nanosatellite would be launched alongside four other countries between May 23 to May 27.

    The NASRDA chief disclosed that the nanosatellite would be launched “within the window of May 23 and 27” from the launch base at Miami, Florida, U.S.

    According to him, the latest satellite to be launched is another feat achieved by the Nigerian engineers.

    Mohammed said: “Nigeria, along with other four countries – Japan, Ghana, Bangladesh and Nepal – in the last one year, came together to work in a constellation to build about five nanosatellites.

    “You may ask ‘what are these nanosatellites for?’ It’s a scientific satellite that is to study environmental parameters.

    “They would help in most of these environmental issues to study them – environmental characterization.

    “In addition to that, they would also be carrying camera that would acquire some form of data.

    “And what we have also demonstrated by this is the fact that Nigerian engineers and scientists earlier built Nigerian Sat-X using the laboratory in Missouri.

    “They’ve gone ahead again to build nanosatellite in the laboratory in Kyushu University in Japan and all these are parts of efforts to sustain technology already transferred to Nigerian scientists and engineers”.

    The NASRDA chief said in addition to the feat achieved by the Nigerian engineers, there was the need to encourage the youth to take career in space science and technology.

    “Those nanosatellites, each time they are within the Nigerian territory, would be singing National Anthem.

    “So those who carry UHF radio would be able to receive it and all these are part of Nigeria’s efforts,” he said.

    The space chief also declared that Nigeria would be a space power by 2030, sending an astronaut into space from Nigerian-owned launch facility on Nigeria’s soil.

    According to him, the engineers that design and launch Nigerian satellites are at the Centre for Satellite Technology Development at NASRDA.

    “There is a ‘Roadmap for Development of Space Science and Technology’ ending in 2030.

    “We hope by 2030, facilities for launch would have been provided in Nigeria so that by that year, we would have launched satellite from Nigeria into space.”

    He expressed optimism that with the current efforts of the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, the plan would be actualized.

    “We would be able to complete our Assembling, Integration, Testing and Design before 2018, and by 2022, most of these efforts would begin to crystallize.

    “The large-scale commercialization of space equipment would be possible in our country, and by 2030, we believe that there would be a launching facility from our country.

    “We believe before 2030, there will be need for Nigeria to be an international space station,” the NASRDA chief said.

    He commended the team of engineers scientists at NASRDA, saying efforts are ongoing to ensure that by 2018, the first satellite would roll out of the agency’s facility.

    According to him, NASRDA remains the number one space agency in Africa, adding it has so far launched five satellites – three earth observation satellites and two communication satellites.

    NAN reports that NASRDA since inception in 2001 had launched five satellites.

    The first satellite, NigeriaSat-I, an international disaster monitoring constellation satellite, built by a UK-based satellite technology company, Surrey Space Technology Limited, was launched in 2003.

    NigComSat-I, the second Nigerian satellite was ordered and built in China in 2004; it was Africa’s first communication satellite, launched on May 13, 2007.

    NigeriaSat-2 and NigeriaSat-X, which, respectively, were the third and fourth built by Surrey Space Technology Limited., were launched in Aug. 17, 2011.

    The fifth, NigComSat-1R was launched by China on Dec. 19, 2011.