Nigeria’s space agency, the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), has estimated that the country’s space business is worth up to $1 billion. This is based on the agency’s success in developing the crucial assets and know-how required for the industry to thrive and the country’s advantageous equator position that gives it a competitive edge over some other nations.
According to Dr. Halilu Shaba, the Director General of NASRDA, Nigeria has designed its next satellite and seeks funds to launch it. He also said Nigeria’s communications satellites have a wider coverage than those of other countries, such as Angola, giving Nigeria a bigger market.
“We value ourselves as the only operators at the Equator, and because of that, we imagine our reach, which alone gives us a unique position,” Dr. Shaba said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria.
Dr. Shaba also stated that the agency is working hard to democratize space technology and include a wider range of Nigerians to raise awareness and ensure transparency in service delivery. He said that many people use space technology, such as GPS and hand-held phones, without knowing and that the agency is collaborating with relevant institutions to educate the public.
Nigeria is one of the few African countries that have launched satellites into orbit. The country has six satellites in total, including two Earth observation satellites, three communications satellites, and one navigation satellite. The satellites are used for various purposes, such as disaster management, environmental monitoring, security, education, and health.
Nigeria’s space ambitions are not limited to launching satellites. The country also has a 25-year Space Policy Roadmap that includes developing its own Assembly, Integration, and Testing Laboratory (AITL) and launching satellites from Nigeria. Dr. Shaba said that developing the AITL is a big project that requires huge resources and partnerships with local investors and foreign countries.
He also said that Nigeria has the potential to generate $20 million from launching a single satellite and $400 million annually from launching 20 satellites. He added that the agency actively engages with other countries interested in Nigeria’s space industry.
Nigeria’s space industry is part of the growing African space sector, which is estimated to be worth over $7 billion by 2024. Other African countries that are involved in space activities include South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda, and Angola.
Nigeria’s space industry is a testament to the country’s scientific and technological achievements and aspirations. It also offers a great opportunity for economic development, social improvement, and regional cooperation. With its vision and potential, Nigeria’s space industry is poised to soar higher in the future.
Source: Business Insider Africa
