Nasrda Media and Corporate Communication

22/09/2025

The Director General and Chief Executive of NASRDA, Dr. Mathew Adepoju, led his Kenyan counterpart, Brig. Hillary Kipkosgey and his delegation from the Kenyan Space Agency on a tour of NASRDA’s facilities.

22/09/2025

A warm exchange of gifts between the Director General of NASRDA and the Director General of the Kenya Space Agency, symbolizing friendship and future collaboration in space science and technology.

22/09/2025

The Director General of the Kenyan Space Agency, Brigadier Hillary Kipkosgey Biwot, paid a courtesy visit to the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA).

22/09/2025

In a groundbreaking milestone for Nigeria and the African continent, the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) successfully connected Nigerian students to the International Space Station (ISS), where they held a live interactive session with NASA astronaut Zena Cardman. The historic event, the first of its kind on the Nigeria, took place at NASRDA Headquarters in Abuja and brought together students from twenty schools across the Federal Capital Territory.The landmark event was witnessed by the Director General and Chief Executive of NASRDA, Dr. Matthew Adepoju, alongside the Agency’s top management team, educators, students and stakeholders in the science and technology education sector.Dr. Adepoju, in his welcome address, hailed the development as a record-breaking stride in Africa’s space exploration journey, noting that the feat was strategically designed to inspire and nurture the interest of the younger generation in space science and technology. He described the students as the hope of the nation and urged them to continually appreciate the purposeful leadership of President Bola Tinubu and the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Geoffrey Nnaji, whose vision has accelerated Nigeria’s advancement in science and technology.The NASRDA boss also commended Mrs. Joy Olayiwola and the team at GeoApps Plus Limited for what he termed “a giant stride” in the success of the Nigerian Space Programme.During the event, Mr. Tope Owolabi of the Department of Physical and Life Sciences delivered a presentation highlighting the global significance and practical application of space science, spanning earth observation, satellite technology, and medical innovations.The climax of the event was the live question and answer session, moderated by Stefan Dombrowski from Belgium and John Sygo from South Africa, where Zena Cardman engaged freely with the students, providing insightful responses to their questions. The interactive session was widely described as inspiring, educative, and memorable.In his vote of thanks, the Managing Director, GeoApps Plus Limited, Mr Emmanuel Onwuabuariri lauded Dr. Adepoju for his visionary leadership in driving NASRDA’s transformation. He assured that subsequent editions of the program would be bigger and more impactful.The event ended with presentation of certificates of attendance to participating schools by Dr. Adepoju, who charged the students to imbibe a culture of continuous learning, and to channel their potentials toward nation building. *Written by: Daniel Abdullahi**Editor: Kaneng Dagyeng**Media and Corporate Communications*

20/09/2025

23/06/2025

*NASRDA IN COLLABORATION WITH BENUE STATE ON SPACE-BASED SECURITY MONITORING*

In a bold and strategic move to tackle the growing threats of internal and external insecurity in Nigeria, the Director General and Chief Executive of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Matthew Adepoju, has reiterated the Agency’s commitment to deploying advanced space-based surveillance solutions in partnership with sub-national governments.

Dr. Adepoju made this statement during the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NASRDA and the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC), held at the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja.

The NASRDA boss who extended the Agency's heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Benue State over the recent tragic attacks, expressed sadness over the painful incident and offered prayers for the families affected, noting that such incidents could be significantly curtailed with real-time surveillance powered by space technology.

He stressed that the partnership with Benue State is both strategic and timely, especially in light of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent call for the adoption of unified and innovative technological frameworks to address national security challenges.

Dr. Adepoju assured the delegation that NASRDA has the technical capacity and resources to deliver high-resolution satellite surveillance systems capable of monitoring and tracking the movement of armed groups both day and night.

He emphasized that these technologies would furnish Nigeria’s security architecture with critical intelligence for proactive response.

According to him, insecurity is no longer a localized issue but a national emergency that requires a futuristic approach.

He explained that the collaboration has become a necessity hence, the need for both technical teams to commence immediate implementation of the MoU for the benefit of the people.

In his remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Benue Digital Infrastructure Company, BDIC, Mr. Gbande Terwase, expressed appreciation to NASRDA for opening its doors to the partnership.

He stated that the visit aims to harness NASRDA’s geospatial and satellite-based ICT expertise to enhance digital connectivity, surveillance, and informed decision-making in Benue State.

Mr. Terwase emphasized that BDIC was established to drive digital services, infrastructure, and literacy for socio-economic transformation.

According to him, the partnership is a leap towards putting Benue State on the global innovation map while seeking to stimulate digital growth, improve governance, and ensure safer communities through this alliance.

He further appealed to NASRDA to create opportunities for Benue students to visit the Agency for educational excursions and to provide capacity building programs tailored to empower the youth in digital and space technologies.

Below are pictures from the event.

*Written by: Chidimma Ayogu*
*Editor: Joy Opaluwa*
*Media and Corporate Communications*

23/06/2025

*EXPERTS HIGHLIGHT STRATEGIES TO UNLOCK SPACE-DRIVEN TRANSFORMATION IN AFRICA*

Top experts, institutional leaders, and innovators across the global space ecosystem have re-echoed the need call for Africa to harness space science, branding ecosystems, and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) to unlock the continent’s next wave of economic transformation, inclusion, and security.

This renewed call formed the crux of lineup of presentations and panel discussions at the just concluded African Space Economy Conference and Exhibition (ASEC) 2025, co-hosted by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) and the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) held in Abuja.

The day commenced with a high-level virtual presentation by Ms. Aarti Holla-Maini, Director of the United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), titled “Global Perspectives on Africa’s Space Growth” where she underscored Africa’s rising footprint in space activities as a historic and transformative inflection point for the continent’s future.

According to her, Africa's increasing involvement in space will lead to a huge transformation of the African continent because the current momentum is a pivotal moment for Africa’s space future.

A panel session followed on the theme: “Commercializing Africa’s Space Sector: Overcoming Barriers and Unlocking Investment Potential" where the panelists emphasized the need for long-term legacy systems that embed space capabilities into every facet of African life highlighting capital-intensive innovation as a powerful route to revenue generation and national development.

Contributing to the discourse, Dr. Festus Ogunmola, Co-founder and Executive Member of the Association of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning of Nigeria (AAIMLON), delivered a presentation on “Leveraging AI for Financial Inclusion and Risk Management.”

He pointed out that Africa’s digital transformation must be powered by AI in order to overcome historic barriers in governance, infrastructure, and financial access.

According to him,the rapid proliferation of AI is reshaping global economic paradigms. Africa must use these tools to leapfrog traditional development gaps.

The final keynote was a virtual presentation by Aya Collins, Director of Brand Engagement at NASA, titled “From Niche to Mainstream: Scaling the Space Economy through Compelling Branding Ecosystems.”

Drawing from NASA’s global success story, Collins advocated for the creation of an African space brand that transcends science, becoming a cultural and commercial force.

She explained that NASA is not just a science Agency but one of the most respected global brands and its non-mission assets are protected and managed through federal laws and regulations.

She encouraged active players in the African space ecosystem to adopt the NASA model by leveraging on storytelling, art, music, and media to inspire and for effective engagement.

The convergence of branding, AI, and space science, they emphasized, offers a golden opportunity for the continent to redefine its trajectory in the global knowledge and digital economy.

The African Space Economy Conference 2025 concluded with a renewed commitment by stakeholders to deepen collaborations, foster youth participation, and accelerate commercial investments that will position space science as a core pillar of Africa’s sustainable future.

Below are pictures for your viewing pleasure.

*Written by: Daniel Abdullahi*
*Editor: Joy Opaluwa*
*Media and Corporate Communication*

19/06/2025

A thought-provoking panel discussion led by Ms. Selina Hayes of Hayes Group USA on "Commercializing Africa's Space Sector: Overcoming Barriers and Unlocking Investment Potential," exploring strategic pathways to drive growth, innovation, and private sector engagement across the continent.

Panelists:
Dr. Marlene (Virtual Speaker)
Dr. Electdom Matamdirotya
Charles Mwangi (Kenya)
Imane EL Khantouti (Morocco) Virtual
Alma Okpafele -CEO World Space Week

19/06/2025

The Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), Ms. Aarti Holla-Maini, delivering a virtual presentation on 'Global Perspectives on Africa’s Space Growth,' offering insightful views on the continent’s expanding role in the global space ecosystem.

19/06/2025

The Conference Director, Dr. Chidi Onwumere, delivered a comprehensive recap of Day 2 of ASEC’25 during the closing ceremony, highlighting key sessions, major takeaways, and the impactful discussions that shaped the day’s proceedings.

19/06/2025

The closing ceremony and grand finale of the 2025 edition of the Africa Space Economy Conference & Exhibition.

18/06/2025

NASRDA DG, Dr. Matthew Olumide Adepoju during a panel discussion on
"Diversifying the African Market via the Application of Space Technology" at the day 2 of the Africa Space Economy Conference and Exhibition.