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Tag: space technology

  • FG launches space technology initiative to generate $50bn annually

    FG launches space technology initiative to generate $50bn annually

    The federal government has unveiled an initiative aimed at generating $50 billion annually through the use of space technology. 

    The initiative, known as the Presidential Initiative on Revenue Optimization and Digitalization via Space Technology, will se the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and the National Space Research and Development Agency (NARSDA) collaborating to ramp up revenue for the nation using space technology.

    Speaking at the launch of the initiative in Abuja on Thursday, the Chairman of RMAFC, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, said that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration could only be realized through the implementation of efficient and innovative revenue generation strategies. 

    He stressed the need for stakeholders to embrace modern technology to unlock new streams of revenue that would support national economic growth and development.

    “The traditional sources and methods of revenue generation are no longer in vogue and, more importantly, are not sufficient to meet the evolving needs of our great nation,” Shehu stated. “Key stakeholders must think innovatively and collaboratively to unlock new opportunities for economic growth, all in the interest of our beloved country.”

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    Shehu further stated the role of NARSDA in conceptualizing the initiative, pointing out that other nations have significantly boosted their revenue through space technology. 

    He called on relevant stakeholders to collaborate with RMAFC and NARSDA to harness the potential of space-based solutions for economic progress.

    In his address, the Director General of NARSDA, Dr. Mathew Olumide Adepoju, stated that the agency had already begun leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics to drive the initiative. 

    He revealed that a proposal had been submitted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to integrate space science, innovation, and technology into Nigeria’s economic strategy to curb revenue leakages and create new revenue streams.

    “Our initial analysis has shown that we can help the country generate up to $50 billion annually,” Adepoju said. “We are determined to achieve this together with the RMAFC Chairman, who has fully embraced this initiative. However, we cannot do it alone, which is why this stakeholder engagement with all revenue-generating agencies is imperative.”

    Adepoju also addressed concerns about Nigeria’s status in global security and surveillance, stating that the country must not be described as a “blind spot” in the Gulf of Guinea. 

    He argued that incorporating space technology into national operations would not only enhance revenue generation but also strengthen security efforts.

    “Our analytics show that many internal conflicts are linked to solid minerals and other natural resources. By mainstreaming space science and technology into our activities, we can track these resources more effectively, curb illegal activities, and improve national security,” he explained.

    The NARSDA boss stated that Nigeria’s infrastructure development goals could only be achieved if all available resources were efficiently managed and equitably distributed. 

    He called for full cooperation from all relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure the success of the Presidential Initiative on Revenue Optimization and Digitalization via Space Technology.

  • ‘Space technology a silent force underpinning our daily lives’

    ‘Space technology a silent force underpinning our daily lives’

    Minister of Innovation Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has said space technology ‘’is a silent force underpinning our daily lives.’’

    He spoke during celebration of Nigeria’s 25 years in space science and technology, in Abuja.

    Nnaji said: “Today, space technology is everywhere, often unseen but deeply ingrained in conveniences we take for granted. Satellites power our communications, enabling global Internet coverage, live television, phone calls and video conferencing. The advent of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations is revolutionising access to high-speed Internet, bringing connectivity to even remotest corners of the earth.

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    “Navigation systems, such as GPS, Beidou, and GLONASS—made possible by satellite technology—are indispensable. From basic navigation on smartphones to complex applications in logistics, emergency response, aviation and gaming, these systems drive modern infrastructure.

    “The impact extends to health care innovations, including remote diagnostics, telemedicine and surgical assistance in underserved regions. Agriculture benefits through remote sensing satellites, which monitor crop health, predict yields, and optimise land use. Global financial markets also rely on precise timestamps from GPS for synchronised transactions—a testament to the centrality of space technology in our lives.’’

    Declaring the celebration open, President Bola Tinubu, who chairs the Space Council, urged National Assembly to prioritise funding ‘’for our space programme.’’

    He said: “I am glad we have the legislature here to celebrate this milestone. I call upon our legislature to prioritise funding for our space programme, to ensure we play a leading role in this fourth industrial revolution.’’

  • Reps urge military to harness benefits of space technology

    Reps urge military to harness benefits of space technology

    The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Defence, Hon Babajimi Benson, has urged the military to fully harness the benefit of space technology.

    He said this when he led the Committee on an oversight visit to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.

    Babajimi said cyberspace has become a critical economic and military tool, therefore, maintaining military cyberspace capability is now an emerging necessity for military operations globally.

    He said the importance of space and cyberspace military technology to modern warfare cannot be underestimated.

    “There is, therefore, a need to fully harness the benefits of military space technology by creating a Nigerian Defence Space Force (DSF). This will help harness the value of military space and cyberspace-based capabilities and integrate such into theatre operations across the country.

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    “A new, independent Space Force will also strengthen the functions of the Defence Space Agency (DSA) in acquiring military space systems, developing a military space power policy, and supporting all operations with space and cyberspace intelligence in the war against insecurity in Nigeria.

    We believe this will consolidate all space missions from across the Armed Forces into one central operational domain. Consequently, we have commenced legislative processes to enact a law that will enable this,” he said.

    He said their duty as representatives of the people is to ensure the effective functioning of our nation’s defence apparatus, safeguarding the security and well-being of our citizens.

    Babajimi, who said the visit was towards addressing the security challenges, recognized the institution’s critical role in protecting the nation’s sovereignty, defending its borders, and promoting peace and stability both domestically and internationally.

    He said, “Dear CDS, this oversight exercise comes at an auspicious time in the life of our nation, especially in the light of the recent resurgence of school abductions, kidnappings and banditry, especially in the North-East, North-West and North-Central as well as several other security challenges currently prevalent in various parts of the country.

    “While we acknowledge the tremendous successes recorded so far through the several theatres of operation across the country, Nigerians are tired of excuses. As representatives of the people, we can tell you authoritatively that they are yearning for definitive results and an end to these myriad of security challenges.

    “This Committee realises that these results can only be achieved at a cost – a contemporary, well-equipped, well-trained, well-resourced and adequately motivated Armed Forces.

    “This is why we are here. Therefore, we expect that this interaction will help to address concerns raised by Nigerians whom we represent and the role that the National Assembly can play to support you in addressing them.

    “The House Committee on Defence fully backs President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate to the Armed Forces of Nigeria to end all forms of insecurity in Nigeria, in line with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. We are confident that the mandate is achievable and must be achieved,” he said.

    He expressed their commitment to continue to support the defence sector through legislative activities.

    “It is in line with this that we have initiated several innovative legislations, currently at various stages of the legislative process in the House, all designed to strengthen and revolutionise the defence sector,” he said.

    He said they fully support the patronage of local manufacturers of military equipment and encouraged the Armed Forces to give preference to local manufacturers, contractors and service providers in its procurement process.

    The House Committee on Defence fully supports the patronage of local manufacturers of military equipment. We therefore encourage the Armed Forces to give preference to local manufacturers, contractors and service providers in its procurement process.

    The Chairman urged the Federal Government to do everything possible to bring those that are behind the killing of soldiers in Delta community to book. He sympathised with the military and their families.

    He also urged that the police be adequately equipped to carry out its constitutional mandates to curb internal security, so the military can only be called in when it highly necessary.

    The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, said the military is doing everything possible to bring to an end to the present security situations in the country.