- Nigeria's National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) is partnering with Proforce, a Nigeria-based private security firm, to develop the NigeriaSAT 3, 4, 5, and a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite. Proforce will play a key role in ensuring the successful realisation of these satellite projects.
- This was announced by NASRDA's Director-General, Matthew Adepoju, during a visit to Proforce's Group Managing Director, Ade Ogundeyin. It aims to impact national security, agriculture, technology transfer, and job creation in the aerospace industry, while also boosting the nation's economy.
Adepoju highlighted the importance of these satellites, noting that they will enhance precision agriculture, monitoring, and data collection, thereby increasing food production and security.
He added, “They will also be crucial in defence, maritime, and the oil and gas sectors. Success in this project will position Nigeria as a key player in the global aerospace industry, showcasing the country’s capabilities and expertise.” Also, he called on other private investors to explore opportunities within Nigeria's space ecosystem.
On the other hand, Ogundeyin expressed, that it will significantly advance satellite technology in Nigeria and benefit the entire nation. He also noted that the project aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Nigeria is ramping up its efforts in the space sector. NASRDA’s plan to develop four satellites comes nearly a month after the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) began the process of replacing NIGCOMSAT-1R, with plans to develop NIGCOMSAT-2 and NIGCOMSAT-3.
In June 2024, NASRDA announced plans to send the first citizen to space through a partnership with the Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA).
Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, mentioned in July 2024 that NIGCOMSAT has already doubled its revenue from 2023 and is contributing to the government’s Project 774. Morover, the 2024 budget allocated N5.3 billion to NIGCOMSAT, up from N4.5 billion in 2023.
However, the sector has faced challenges. The NigComSat-1R satellite was launched in 2011 to replace failed NigComSat-1 and has concerns of low patronage. Even previous efforts to replace the satellite including proposal to secure a $550 million loan to acquire two new satellites as backups fell through.
NASRDA announced in March 2024 that it would not proceed with plans to launch a satellite from Nigeria in 2025 due to insufficient funds. Additionally, it stated that it lacked the resources to launch an astronaut into space, but, it now appears to have plans to realize that.
