ABUJA, Nigeria — The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the launch of four advanced satellites as part of Nigeria’s renewed efforts to bolster national security and expand Earth observation capabilities, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, announced on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.
Speaking at the 22nd National Council on Innovation, Science and Technology (NCIST) in Abuja, Nnaji said the satellites, which include three Earth Observation satellites and one Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite, will provide Nigeria with real-time surveillance tools that can support military operations and disaster management.
“Just last week, the Federal Executive Council approved that Nigeria launch four satellites worth millions of dollars—three Earth Observation satellites and one search satellite,” the minister said.
“The search satellite is the one that will pick images both day, night, during rain, every time of the day. That is technology in play.”
He noted that the satellite technology will help reduce Nigeria’s dependency on foreign-sourced geospatial data, especially for security-related operations.
“The military can use it effectively. Unlike now, when we want to go and view Sambisa Forest and other such dungeons of guerrilla warfare, we have to buy images and data,” he said.
The NCIST meeting, held from 12–14 May under the theme “Research, Develop, Innovate and Commercialise: A Cycle for National Prosperity”, brought together stakeholders from across academia, government, and industry to discuss the future of science and technology policy in Nigeria.
Nnaji emphasised that the administration of President Bola Tinubu, under its Renewed Hope Agenda, is committed to revitalising Nigeria’s research ecosystem by closing the long-standing gap between academic research and industrial application.
“As a country, we can no longer afford to ignore the widening gap between research and real-world impact,” he said.
“Our talented young innovators, full of bold ideas and boundless creativity, have often lacked the structured support, financing, and mentorship required to move their innovations from concept to the market.”
He disclosed that an inter-ministerial committee is currently reviewing the National Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy, with the goal of establishing a National Research and Innovation Fund to support homegrown projects and commercialise indigenous research outcomes.
Mrs Esuabana Nko-Asanye, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, said 109 memoranda were presented during the three-day meeting, reflecting the breadth of ideas and challenges across sectors such as health, agriculture, education, energy, and climate change.
“These memoranda highlighted critical challenges, innovative proposals and actionable recommendations aimed at strengthening the role of science, technology and innovation in national development,” she said.
The meeting also received contributions from high-ranking officials including Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who, represented by Dr Morris Mbaeri, called for deeper collaboration among academia, industry and government to drive innovation-led economic transformation.
“This cycle is very essential in addressing real-world challenges and unlocking long-term prosperity,” Akume said.
Professor Azikiwe Onwualu, President of the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), advocated for increased investment in research and development, urging the government to allocate up to 3 percent of GDP to R&D spending.
He also recommended operationalising the National Research and Innovation Council Fund to coordinate nationwide RDIC initiatives.
