Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has ordered the allocation of funds for the implementation of the country's ambitious space program. This was announced in a press release from the Nigerian leader's administration following the first meeting of the National Space Council on March 3.

"Nigeria will not watch the development of new horizons from the sidelines. We will participate, we will compete, we will contribute. Our space ambitions must be based on effectiveness, accountability, and national value," the statement read.

Vice President Kashim Shettima spoke at the event on behalf of Tinubu. He emphasized that the government would provide necessary support for the implementation of the space program, adding that investments in this sector contribute to accelerating technological progress and diversifying the country's economy.

"Space technologies remain the foundation of cybersecurity and the digital economy. The space economy is growing rapidly, and it is expected to exceed $1 trillion by 2040. By investing in space, we are not funding a distant dream; we are funding the security of our borders; early warning systems for floods and fires, smart cities, ... reliable communication," Shettima said.

Furthermore, during the meeting, the council decided to continue work on establishing the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Space Center in Ekpe. According to Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology Kingsley Udeh, the center will enhance Nigeria's capabilities to launch satellites into orbit.

In April 2025, Nigerian Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology Uche Godfrey Nnaji stated that the country plans to generate over $20 billion annually through the development of the space industry and the creation of a "space economy." In May, Nigeria's Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the launch of four satellites for Earth observation and enhancing national security.

Nigeria has been actively developing its space industry since the early 2000s. In 2003, the first Nigerian spacecraft, NigeriaSat-1, was launched using a Russian Kosmos-3M rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. In 2011, two more Nigerian satellites for Earth observation were launched from Russia's Yasny Cosmodrome.