Nigeria Moves to Regulate its Growing Space Sector, Joining Global Push for Accountability in Orbit

By Dr. Robert Ngwu

In a decisive move to formalize and future-proof its emerging space industry, Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology has unveiled steps to implement the long-awaited 2015 Regulations on Licensing and Supervision of Space Activities. The announcement was made by Honourable Minister Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji during a high-level stakeholder workshop held in Abuja this week.

The regulations, originally drafted in 2015 but largely dormant since, are now being activated to establish a structured, transparent framework for public and private participation in Nigeria’s expanding space sector—an area increasingly viewed as critical to national security, economic growth, and global competitiveness.

“Space is no longer the exclusive domain of dreamers,” said Minister Nnaji in his keynote address. “It is a domain of serious business, innovation, and national security… Nigeria must not only participate in the global space economy — we must compete and lead.”

A Continental First Step

Nigeria’s move is one of the most comprehensive attempts on the African continent to regulate space activity at the national level. While countries like South Africa and Egypt have established space agencies and launched satellites, neither currently enforces a licensing regime as detailed or formalized as the one Nigeria is implementing.

Across the globe, governments are racing to bring national regulations in line with the exponential growth in private space ventures.

The United States, through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and India, via its IN-SPACe agency, have both modernized their licensing structures in recent years to reflect a commercial-first approach. Nigeria’s regulations echo these shifts, balancing government oversight with incentives for private sector investment.

Unlocking Economic Potential

Nigeria’s space ambitions are already evident in its satellite development and participation in international space partnerships. The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has launched multiple Earth observation and communications satellites, including NigeriaSat-X, built locally by Nigerian engineers.

The new regulatory framework aims to go further — to attract foreign and local investment, generate revenue through space-based services, and protect Nigeria’s orbital assets. It introduces structured licensing procedures, orbital safety protocols, and obligations aligned with international treaties such as the Outer Space Treaty and the Convention on Registration of Space Objects.

“A modern space economy needs modern regulation,” Nnaji said. “These rules will protect our orbital and frequency resources, mitigate risks of space debris, and create a level playing field for all players — from startups to global corporations.”

Public-Private Synergy

The Minister emphasized that the success of Nigeria’s space economy cannot rely solely on government. Instead, it must be driven by collaborative public-private partnerships, supported by research institutions, and shaped by global best practices. This message resonates with broader economic reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which prioritizes indigenous innovation and sustainable industrialization.

The workshop convened top industry stakeholders, regulators, and researchers, including representatives from NASRDA, universities, and emerging space startups. It is expected to result in recommendations that will guide full implementation and possible updates to the 2015 regulatory instrument.

A Future Beyond the Stratosphere

Nigeria joins a growing list of emerging economies laying legal groundwork to ensure responsible space activity. As low-Earth orbit becomes increasingly congested and geopolitically sensitive, the regulation of commercial satellite launches, space-based data services, and orbital traffic is becoming a priority far beyond traditional space powers.

For Nigeria, with its vibrant tech ecosystem and strategic position as Africa’s largest economy, the regulation is not only timely — it is imperative.

“The sky is not the limit,” Minister Nnaji concluded. “It is the beginning.”