UYO, AKWA IBOM — Senate President Godswill Akpabio has reiterated the National Assembly’s full backing for the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), citing its central role in tackling Nigeria’s complex security and economic challenges.

Speaking through Senator Samson Ekong (Akwa Ibom South) at NASRDA’s 2025 Top Management Retreat held in Uyo, Akpabio declared that the legislature remains committed to increasing support for space science as a tool for national transformation.

His remarks were contained in a statement released by Dr Felix Ale, NASRDA’s Director of Media and Corporate Communications.

“Space-based technologies now underpin key socio-economic systems worldwide,” Akpabio said.

“Nigeria must not be left behind. Adequate resources must be allocated to this critical sector.”

Space Tech: A National Imperative

The Senate President emphasised that space science and technology are no longer optional but critical to the national development agenda—especially in areas such as surveillance, border monitoring, and disaster management.

Akpabio urged closer legislative collaboration with NASRDA to harness its real-time data and satellite capabilities for improved governance, particularly in ungoverned and high-risk regions.

He added that sustained investment is essential to ensure Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global knowledge economy, where space technologies drive innovation, security, and socio-economic planning.

State and Federal Endorsement

Representing Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi commended NASRDA for choosing Uyo as the retreat venue and described the initiative as “timely and strategic.”

“The agency must intensify capacity building to align its vision with broader national development goals,” she said.

Also addressing the retreat, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, represented by Dr Robert Ngwu, praised the retreat’s theme as “visionary,” affirming the importance of space tech in asserting national sovereignty, digital resilience, and sustainable development.

“Space science is no longer symbolic—it is now a platform for shaping a country’s economic and geopolitical relevance,” he said.

NASRDA’s New Vision

In his closing address, NASRDA Director General Dr Matthew Adepoju reaffirmed the agency’s resolve to develop indigenous space solutions to meet Nigeria’s pressing challenges.

“This retreat is about setting a new course—enhancing internal capacity, sharpening strategic direction, and positioning NASRDA to deliver greater impact,” Adepoju stated.

He assured that NASRDA remains committed to deploying space-based innovation for national benefit, with plans to expand satellite deployment, Earth observation, and data integration into government systems.

Looking Forward

The retreat marks a crucial milestone for Nigeria’s space policy implementation, as stakeholders push for renewed investment and policy coherence in the space sector.

With a growing reliance on digital infrastructure, space technology is poised to become a linchpin in Nigeria’s strategy to combat insecurity, drive inclusive growth, and position itself as a continental leader in science and innovation.