The Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone, has emphasized the strategic importance of scaling up investments in Nigeria’s space programmes to boost the nation’s socio-economic development.
He stated this during a courtesy visit to the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) headquarters in Abuja.
Aligning his call with the broader national development agenda, Senator Dafinone urged both local and international stakeholders to significantly increase their financial and technical commitment to Nigeria’s space sector, stressing that such support is essential for unlocking the full economic and technological potential of the country.
He pointed out that NASRDA’s pool of experts comprising more than 300 PhD holders and over 2,000 professionals with master’s degrees constitutes a strategic national asset that must be fully leveraged for Nigeria’s advancement.
The Senator proposed that NASRDA spearhead educational outreach programmes within his constituency to expose young students to space science and spark early interest in careers in space technology.
Senator Dafinone also expressed interest in future collaborations with the Agency on advanced technological initiatives and pledged support for its emerging commercial ventures.
While commending the Director General, on his laudable achievements since assuming office, Senator Dafinone noted that Adepoju clarity of vision and strong leadership style position him well to drive NASRDA’s mandate.
In his remarks, the Director General and Chief Executive of NASRDA, Dr. Matthew Adepoju stressed the urgent need for Nigeria to strengthen its telecommunications regulatory framework, warning that emerging technologies such as 5G and mega satellite constellations carry potential radiation risks and therefore require strict national oversight.
He expressed concern that global satellite operators are expanding their constellations at a pace that outstrips existing regulatory safeguards, particularly in countries where protective legislation remains underdeveloped.
Dr. Adepoju also highlighted the establishment of a new Department of Artificial Intelligence and Space Robotics, along with upgraded laboratories and additional centres nationwide, as part of efforts to enhance NASRDA’s technical capacity and expand national participation in space activities, even as the Agency awaits full financial disbursement.
The NASRDA boss while appreciating Senator Dafinone for what he described as timely visit, encouraged him to consider channeling constituency interventions through the Agency , emphasising that NASRDA is capable of addressing environmental challenges in the Niger Delta through advanced satellite monitoring.
Dr. Adepoju further called for greater support for locally developed technological products, including homegrown communication devices, as a means of enhancing national innovation.
He emphasized the need for increased public awareness and stronger private sector participation as it is one of the key pillars of his three-point agenda aimed at positioning Nigeria for global competitiveness in the space sector.
Below are pictures from the visit:
Reporter: Luqman Abdulraheem
Editor: Joy Opaluwa
Media and Corporate Communications
