Nigeria to Launch Four Advanced Satellites to Boost Security and Earth Observation

The Federal Executive Council has approved the launch of four new satellites aimed at improving Earth observation and strengthening Nigeria’s national security efforts. This announcement was made by Chief Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, during the 22nd National Council on Innovation, Science and Technology (NCIST) held in Abuja from May 12 to May 14. Themed “Research, Develop, Innovate and Commercialise: A Cycle for National Prosperity,” the event underscored the government’s commitment to leveraging innovation for development.

Minister Nnaji explained that the satellite initiative comprises three Earth Observation satellites and one Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite. The SAR satellite, in particular, will provide high-resolution imagery in all weather conditions—day or night—offering critical support to military operations and security surveillance.

“With the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria is actively addressing its challenges. The approval for the launch of these four multi-million-dollar satellites marks a significant leap in our technological capabilities,” Nnaji stated.

He noted that the new technology will help reduce reliance on foreign satellite data, especially for surveillance in high-risk zones like the Sambisa Forest.

On the policy front, Nnaji highlighted the ongoing review of the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy. He said an inter-ministerial committee is currently working on strategies to establish a National Research and Innovation Fund aimed at bridging the gap between academic research and industrial application.

“As a nation, we can no longer afford the disconnect between research and real-world implementation,” Nnaji emphasized. “Despite our wealth of academic research, much of it remains unused due to a lack of support systems, funding, and industry linkage.”

He expressed hope that the resolutions from the council meeting would trigger a new era where innovation becomes a viable career path and inventions transition seamlessly from concept to commercialization.

Highlighting the importance of collaboration, the minister called on the private sector to invest in research and development (R&D) while urging the government to strengthen regulations that support innovation ecosystems.

He also confirmed that the council’s outcomes would be forwarded to the Federal Executive Council for adoption. The 22nd NCIST meeting, originally slated for 2024, was postponed to 2025 due to unforeseen challenges, but preparations for the 23rd edition are already underway to realign with the regular schedule.

Permanent Secretary Mrs. Esuabana Nko-Asanye described the council as a pivotal platform for fostering collaboration across sectors. She noted that the council received 109 memoranda covering a broad spectrum of national issues—from climate change and unemployment to economic diversification and technological capacity building.

“These submissions present innovative proposals and practical recommendations that will strengthen the role of science, technology, and innovation in driving national development,” she said. “Key focus areas include commercializing indigenous research, enhancing R&D funding, and building innovation capacity in emerging sectors like health, agriculture, energy, and education.”

She added that the depth and diversity of the submissions reflect a growing recognition of the importance of science and technology in Nigeria’s sustainable growth.

In his remarks, Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, represented by Dr. Morris Mbaeri, stressed the urgency of building a strong innovation ecosystem to ensure sustainable development.

“This cycle of research, development, innovation, and commercialization is vital to solving real-world problems and unlocking long-term prosperity,” Akume noted, calling for stronger collaboration between academia, industry, and government.

Prof. Azikiwe Onwualu, President of the African University of Science and Technology, echoed similar sentiments, urging the government to increase its R&D spending to at least three percent of GDP. He also advocated for more innovation clusters that bring together universities, industries, and startups to drive project implementation.