‎NASRDA Gets Presidential Approval For Four New Satellites

The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has secured presidential approval to launch four new satellites, a move described as a landmark step toward redefining Nigeria’s technological trajectory.

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‎Dr. Felix Ale, Director of Media and Corporate Communications of NASRDA, disclosed this over the weekend while speaking with journalists at the Eko Hotel in Lagos.

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‎He said the ambitious initiative, approved by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda and signals a strong commitment to space innovation, national development, and global competitiveness.

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‎“The proposed new satellites will consist of three optical satellites and one Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR),” Ale said.

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‎Explaining their significance, he noted: “The Optical satellites will among other things provide high resolution imagery for agriculture monitoring, urban development and infrastructure mapping as well as environmental surveillance and disaster response.”

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‎On the SAR satellite, Ale said: “The Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite according to him will enable all-weather day and night earth observation while enhancing capabilities in flood prediction, deforestation tracking and national surveillance.”

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‎He stressed that the new satellites would also replace the country’s aging space assets. “The new satellites will replace aging assets and ensure continuity in Nigeria space operations, which are critical for data driven governance and economic planning,” Ale said.

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‎According to him, the presidential approval demonstrates a visionary approach by President Tinubu. “President Tinubu’s decision to greenlight this project reflects a visionary approach to national development,” Ale emphasized.

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‎He added that the approval is more than a routine policy move. “It’s a statement of intent that reflects courageous investment in long-term infrastructure, recognition of space as a tool for national transformation and commitment to empowering Nigerian scientists and engineers.”

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‎Ale maintained that the project reaffirms Nigeria’s leading position in Africa’s space industry. “The initiative reaffirmed Nigeria’s position as a leading space-faring nation in Africa and sets the stage for a future where space technology drives inclusive growth and innovation.”

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‎Speaking on leadership at the agency, he noted that Dr. Matthew Adepoju’s tenure has marked a turning point. “Dr Matthew Adepoju’s leadership has ushered in a transformative phase for the Nigeria Space Agency,” Ale said.

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