Nigeria recently celebrated a major milestone in space science and technology, marking 25 years of progress in space exploration and its applications. During the anniversary event at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Chief Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, highlighted the vital yet often unnoticed role of space technology in everyday life.

The event, officially opened by President Bola Tinubu, called for more attention and investment in Nigeria’s space program. President Tinubu emphasized the need for better funding to ensure the country remains competitive in the rapidly advancing global space race, urging the National Assembly to prioritize space-related projects.

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Chief Nnaji underscored the transformative impact of satellite technology in areas such as global communication, navigation systems like GPS, healthcare, and agriculture. He also pointed out that the global space economy is expected to reach a staggering $1.8 trillion by 2035, offering enormous potential for growth and innovation across various industries.

The Minister also reaffirmed the government’s ongoing commitment to supporting the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), which has played a crucial role in Nigeria’s space achievements. Dr. Matthew Olumide Adepoju, the Director-General of NASRDA, shared the agency’s progress over the past quarter-century and its ambitious goals for the years ahead.