Iliyasu S. Yahaya
NASRDA Gets N20 Billion Boost for Space Regulatio
The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) is set to commence the implementation of its space regulation and licensing mandate with a N20 billion take-off fund approved by President Bola Tinubu. This development was disclosed by the Director-General of NASRDA, Dr. Matthew Adepoju, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
According to Dr. Adepoju, the regulatory function of NASRDA, as encapsulated in the NASRDA Act (2010), had remained unfulfilled since its establishment in 1999. The agency is now poised to change this narrative with the approved funding. A stakeholders’ workshop on space regulation is scheduled for April 8, where the new regulations will be further discussed.
The licensing platform is ready and open to both public and private sector operators in the space arena, including those using and providing space products and services. Dr. Adepoju emphasized the need for strict oversight of satellite image providers, geographic information system operators, and satellite-based telecommunication and broadcasting services, among others. This is crucial in preventing the exploitation of geographical data intelligence by non-state actors for illicit activities.
The initiative is expected to have far-reaching benefits, including:
– Enhanced National Security: By regulating the space industry, NASRDA can help prevent the misuse of space technology and protect national interests.
– Economic Diversification: The regulation of the space industry can also contribute to economic diversification by creating new opportunities for growth and development.
– Local Content Development: The initiative is expected to promote local content development in the space industry, which can lead to increased economic benefits for Nigeria.
– Revenue Generation: The regulation of the space industry is also expected to generate revenue from sub-sectors such as oil and gas, shipping, and telecommunications, which rely heavily on space products for their operations.