Federal government has announced its target of generating over $20bn annually from Nigeria’s rapidly evolving space economy, leveraging a newly launched space security platform and comprehensive regulatory reforms.

Speaking at the launch event in Abuja on Tuesday, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, unveiled the government’s strategic plans to capitalize on space technologies for national revenue generation, particularly in key sectors like oil monitoring and maritime surveillance.

“With space-based surveillance, we can detect vessels entering Nigerian waters—even those that switch off their transponders to evade detection. We’ll be able to track them, ensure compliance, and collect the appropriate fees. This initiative alone could yield over $20 billion annually,” he said.

The Minister emphasised that Nigeria’s space economy is no longer a futuristic dream but a present-day economic lever.

“Space is no longer the domain of dreamers alone—it is now the frontier of serious business, innovation, and national security,” he declared.

“Our task is clear: to establish a transparent, well-regulated ecosystem where public and private actors—from startups to established institutions—can thrive,” he added.

The new space security platform is tied to the enforcement of Nigeria’s 2015 Regulations on the Licensing and Supervision of Space Activities.

Section 4(1), mandates that no one “shall carry out activities to which the Regulations apply except under the authority of a license granted by the National Space Council.”

These regulations aim to hold local and foreign operators—such as Starlink and DSTV—accountable under Nigerian law.

“Currently, some pay appropriate fees, while others contribute minimally, shortchanging Nigerians. This new regulatory framework will address that imbalance,” Nnaji stated.

Dr. Matthew Adepoju, director general, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), echoed the Minister’s sentiments, highlighting the economic, security, and youth empowerment potential of the sector.

“Nigeria must remain a forward-thinking nation. We must ensure that space activities within our jurisdiction are properly regulated, commercially optimized, and aligned with international best practices,” Adepoju said.

According to NASRDA, Nigeria can generate about N200bn annually from space-related activities, with potential growth rates of 18–20 per cent per year.

The workshop, which gathered key stakeholders from government, academia, and the private sector, marks a pivotal shift in Nigeria’s approach to space as a tool for development.

It also underscores the urgency to reform existing legal frameworks.

Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, legal expert, who also spoke at the event, criticized Nigeria’s outdated space laws.

“Our current laws are outdated. The NASRDA Act is not a true space law. We need a clear economic strategy for space, legal reform, and an updated National Space Policy,” he said.

Agbakoba proposed creating a Center for Space Law and emphasized that space should contribute at least 2% to Nigeria’s GDP.

“Let’s learn from countries like the UAE. Why not aim for Nigerian astronauts—male and female?” he asked.

Mrs. Esuabana Asanye, permanent secretary of the Ministry, while unveiling the new NASRDA logo, positioned the current phase as a new era in Nigeria’s space journey: “We are now turning the page from the first 25 years, and ushering in a new era—one that will redefine Nigeria’s presence in space.”

MTN Group, one of Africa’s leading mobile network operators, has announced a strategic partnership with UK-based video software provider Synamedia to develop a new streaming platform tailored for mobile and fixed broadband subscribers across the continent.

Through the partnership, MTN aims to enhance digital content accessibility and cater to the evolving preferences of African audiences.

“We see a unique opportunity to transform video consumption in Africa with high-quality, accessible, and relevant content,” said Selorm Adadevoh, Group Chief Commercial Officer at MTN Group.

“This partnership enables us to leverage cutting-edge technology and deep customer insights to enhance entertainment experiences and drive digital inclusion.”

With the new streaming platform, MTN enters the streaming market in competition with streaming giants like Netflix, Showmax, Multichoice, and Prime Video.

By leveraging Synamedia’s advanced cloud-based technologies, the service will deliver linear television and video-on-demand content.

It is designed to support various monetisation models, including subscriptions, ad-supported content, and free streaming channels with targeted advertising.

The streaming service will offer locally adapted content based on a curated content strategy.

Each market will benefit from content curated to reflect local cultures, languages, and viewing habits, ensuring that viewers across the continent resonate with its offerings.

“Thanks to MTN’s leadership and innovation, smartphone owners across Africa will be able to enjoy innovative linear TV and on-demand video,” Paul Segre, Synamedia, CEO, said.

“By taking advantage of the breadth of our integrated, cloud-based portfolio to quickly deploy new services at scale, MTN will be able to create a groundbreaking set of offerings for customers and viewers that will drive new revenues.”

Alhaji Mohammed Idris, minister of Information and National Orientation, has said that the federal government has commenced investing in cutting-edge technologies and acquiring state-of-the-art equipment for federal media organisations to ensure effective service delivery.

Alhaji Mohammed Idris, minister of Information and National Orientation,

Alhaji Idris stated this in Las Vegas during discussions with leading broadcast and information companies at the ongoing National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show 2025.

He said such investments have led to the upgrade and replacement of obsolete infrastructure across radio and television stations owned by the Federal Government.

Dr Suleiman Haruna, director, Public Relations and Protocol, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, said the ministry was already forging partnerships with broadcast equipment manufacturers to avail local broadcasters the opportunity to benefit from emerging technologies and industry-specific training.

The minister underscored the commitment of government to collaborate with key stakeholders in the global information and broadcasting sector to strengthen Nigeria’s information dissemination framework.

Some of the executives who received the Minister and his team are Thomas King, Chairman of KINTRONIC Laboratories; Enrico Vaccari, COO of Axel Technology SRL; Gianluca Baccalini, System Engineering Solutions; and Calvin Carter, COO of Continental Electronics.

They all expressed their organisations’ readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government to enhance Nigeria’s broadcasting landscape and regulatory agencies.

Alhaji Idris is leading a delegation of senior officials, including Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos (Director-General/CEO Nigeria Television Authority), Ali Muhammed Ali (Managing Director/CEO of News Agency of Nigeria), Charles Ebuebu (Director-General/CEO of National Broadcasting Commission), Dr Lekan Fadolapo (Director-General, Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria), and Jibrin Baba Ndace (Director-General/CEO, Voice of Nigeria).

The NAB show, running from April 5 to 9, with the theme “The Technology, The Trend, The Future”, provides valuable insights into industry trends, covering topics such as Artificial Intelligence, cloud visualization, the creator economy, and sports production and streaming.

The Nigerian delegation aims to forge new partnerships, explore content-sharing opportunities, and enhance collaboration within the global broadcasting sector, ultimately advancing the country’s media industry.