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Nigeria Eyes $20Bn Annual Revenue from Space Economy – Minister
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.”
Mr. Tim Akano, New Horizons Chief Executive Officer, took centre stage at the Nigerian Information Technology Reporters’ Association (NITRA) annual end-of-year meeting on Thursday, December 18, 2025, recounting the company’s remarkable growth and reaffirming free IT training for journalists.
Tim Akano, New Horizons Chief Executive Officer, in a group photograph with NITRA Members
Speaking directly to IT media members at the company’s training facility in Lagos, Akano acknowledged the critical role journalists played in supporting New Horizons during its formative years two decades ago.
He detailed how the firm evolved from a handful of staff to one of Africa’s leading ICT skills training organisations, now employing about 500 staff across multiple training centres nationwide.
Akano Spotlights Youth Training, University Partnerships
Akano highlighted that New Horizons has trained over 500,000 youths, particularly tertiary institution students, equipping them with practical IT skills essential for Nigeria’s digital economy.
He announced recent partnerships with universities, including a new agreement with Afe Babalola University, to scale hands-on training programmes for students.
“This growth would not have been possible without the media’s support in documenting our journey,” Akano stated, pledging continued free IT skills training for media members to remain competitive in the evolving digital landscape.
Reciprocal Support Defines Long-Standing Partnership
The venue hosting the NITRA meeting underscored Akano’s generosity; NITRA Secretary Chidiebere Nwankwo secured the free facility after contacting him—a gesture consistent with New Horizons hosting multiple association events and training IT journalists since its inception 20 years ago.
Participants shared personal testimonies of Akano’s support, including veteran journalist Aaron Ukodie, whose daughter—an Accounting graduate from the University of Johannesburg—received NYSC placement and IT scholarship at New Horizons.
The Guardian’s Yemi Adeyemi recounted Akano accommodating his editor’s child for mandatory IT training after other firms declined.
Members praised Akano’s commitment to human capital development as evidence of deep appreciation for the media community that chronicled New Horizons’ success over two decades.
National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has launched the NIMC Pre-Enrolment Portal to revolutionise the National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment process, enabling applicants within Nigeria and in the Diaspora to capture biodata online prior to biometric verification at enrolment centres.
NIMC
Accessible via penrol.nimc.gov.ng, the platform allows users to fill enrolment forms, schedule appointments, upload supporting documents securely, and manage personal details directly, thereby slashing congestion, minimising wait times, boosting data accuracy and enhancing overall service efficiency at centres nationwide.
NIMC Director-General and CEO, Engr. (Dr) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, spearheaded the initiative as part of the Commission’s technology-driven strategy to fortify institutional performance, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda that emphasises digital transformation, efficient public service delivery and inclusive national development.
Dr Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications, highlighted key benefits including simplified biodata handling, confidential data protection through robust security measures, reduced physical centre visits and heightened operational effectiveness, urging all prospective enrollees to adopt the portal for a faster, citizen-friendly experience.[conversation_history]
The move underscores NIMC’s mandate under the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007 to manage the National Identity Database, issue NINs and foster a reliable digital identity ecosystem vital for national planning, with users advised to complete pre-enrolment online before heading to selected centres for biometrics.
MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), a Pan-African film and television training institution, has announced the opening of applications for its 2026 intake.
MultiChoice
The fully funded programme is open to African graduates aspiring to become directors, filmmakers, scriptwriters, producers and storytellers.
According to MultiChoice, the nine-month accredited curriculum combines online learning with intensive in-person training, and is designed to balance theoretical knowledge with practical immersion.
MTF academies are located in Kenya, Nigeria and Zambia, and serve aspiring filmmakers from 14 African countries. Since its inception in 2018, the initiative has trained 296 filmmakers, with graduates producing more than 42 movies aired on DStv, GOtv and Showmax platforms.
Organisers said alumni of the programme have gone on to establish over 50 production companies, while many continue to work within the MultiChoice ecosystem.
Graduates have also won accolades at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, Kalasha Awards, Uganda Film Festival and Women in Film Awards.
Applications for the 2026 intake close on Feb. 27, 2026. Interested candidates can visit https://apo-opa.co/3XW53oE for programme requirements.
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