Nigeria to launch four satellites to boost security and development
Nigeria has announced plans to launch four new satellites to support national security and development efforts.
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, said the project had been approved by the Federal Executive Council and includes three Earth observation satellites and one radar satellite.
Speaking at the 22nd National Council on Innovation, Science and Technology in Abuja, Nnaji said the satellites would help the military and other security agencies monitor hard-to-reach areas, including forests used by armed groups.
He explained that the radar satellite would be able to capture images at any time, regardless of weather or light conditions.
“The search satellite is the one that will pick images both day, night, during rain, every time of the day, and that is technology in play,” he was quoted by the News Agency of Nigeria.
Nnaji added that the move is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at using technology to solve national problems.
The minister also said the government is reviewing the country’s science and innovation policy and working to set up a National Research and Innovation Fund.
He called for better links between research institutions and industries to ensure ideas developed in laboratories are turned into useful products and services.
According to him, many young Nigerians with bright ideas often struggle to find the support they need to bring their innovations to the market.
He further urged universities, the private sector and the government to work together to close this gap.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said Nigeria must focus on practical research that solves real-world problems.
He stressed the importance of building strong partnerships among the government, industry, and academic institutions.
At the meeting, more than 100 proposals were submitted by different sectors of the economy, including health, agriculture, and education.
Officials said the ideas would help shape future policies on science, technology and innovation.
The government also promised to return the council’s annual meetings to a regular schedule after a delay caused by unforeseen issues last year.
