The Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, (FMIST), Chief Uche Nnaji has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to improving operational analysis, modeling, and forecasting methods that promote best practices aimed at increasing accuracy, reliability, and interoperability in space science.
The Minister stated this during the opening ceremony of the United Nations/Nigeria Workshop on the International Space Weather Initiative (ISWI) 2025, held at the Defence Space Administration Headquarters in Abuja.
Chief Nnaji who was represented by the Director General and Chief Executive of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Matthew Adepoju, pointed that Nigeria remains committed to playing a leadership role in coordinating international efforts in space weather research.
He added that the outcome of the workshop would no doubt contribute significantly to the formulation of relevant national and international policies.
The Minister further stated that the collaboration between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) in convening the workshop underscores the shared commitment and strong partnership in advancing the frontiers of space science and technology.
The Minister commended the result-oriented leadership of NASRDA’s Director General for convening the workshop at such a crucial time in the global scientific and technological landscape.
Speaking in his capacity as the Director General of NASRDA, Dr. Matthew Adepoju highlighted the strategic importance of space weather, saying satellite technology supports key sectors like banking, telecommunications, broadcasting, weather forecasting, and national security.
He said, the understanding and prediction of space weather is not merely a scientific pursuit but a matter of national and economic importance.
Dr. Adepoju explained that the ISWI, under the consistent guidance of the United Nations, provides an ideal framework for global cooperation, adding that the initiative embodies the principle of using space science as a tool for peaceful international partnership and sustainable development.
According to him, the program would deliver a concrete and actionable roadmap for strengthening global resilience to space weather, with Africa playing a central and dynamic role.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Defence Space Administration (DSA), Air Vice Marshal Lanre Oluwatoyin, noted that space weather is critical to the precision, reliability, and security of the Armed Forces.
AVM Oluwatoyin, while highlighting the vital role of satellite communications positioning, and surveillance systems to Nigeria’s defense operations, said, this initiative directly aligns with the mandate of the Defence Space Administration to support the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies with space-based solutions for defense and security.
Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director of NigComSat , Mrs Nkechi Egerton-Idehen lauded NASRDA’s leadership for its achievements in space programs so far, stating that as the world approaches the peak of Solar Cycle 25, scientists, engineers, policymakers, and industry leaders are paying closer attention to the impact of solar activities on daily life.
She stressed that the growth of satellite-based services, space exploration, and emerging space industries make understanding space weather essential for resilience and preparedness.
In his opening remarks, a research Director with NASRDA, Professor Rabiu Babatunde noted that ISWI has continued to help build research capacity and fost space weather communities across many developing countries.
He said, the initiative has established a collaborative platform where countries come together to share ideas, information, and data for collective development.
While delivering his keynote address, Dr. Natchimuthukonar Gopalswamy, a representative of the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), explained that ISWI is an international cooperation program that advances space weather science through instrument development, data analysis, and collaborative research.
Also speaking, Ms. Sharafat Gadimova, representing the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), commended Nigeria and NASRDA for their outstanding contributions to organizing the event, pointing that UNOOSA’s historic role in supporting member states, particularly developing countries, has helped in leveraging space science and technology for sustainable development.
Below are sights from the event:
Written by: Chado Joel
Editor: Joy OpaluwaMedia and Corporate Communications
