By Faridat Salifu
The Geoinformation Society of Nigeria (GEOSON) has called on the federal government to involve all relevant stakeholders in the implementation of the newly inaugurated space licensing and regulation framework, warning that excluding key agencies could hinder effective coordination.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday, April 21, 2025, GEOSON President, Dr. Fikta Steve, said the regulation, recently activated by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), represents a “bold and necessary step” towards controlling activities in Nigeria’s space ecosystem and improving government revenue.
The regulation, anchored in the NASRDA Act of 2010, was formally unveiled on April 8.
It mandates NASRDA to oversee both public and private space-based operations, a move officials say will streamline the sector and formalise its contributions to the national economy.
However, Dr. Steve noted that several federal agencies, such as the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation and the National Population Commission, already rely heavily on space-derived data to fulfill their mandates.
Without clarity and collaboration, he warned, the new regulatory push could cause inter-agency friction.
“There is need to explain this regulation to stakeholders because different agencies provide different geospatial information using space,” Steve said.
“NASRDA has started something according to its mandate, but how far can it go? Is regulation by standards or by methods of acquiring data?”, Steve queried.
He called for the harmonisation of space-related functions across government entities, stressing that clear communication and shared responsibilities would prevent resistance and confusion.
Beyond coordination, Steve emphasised the broader value of the new policy.
“We have lost so much as a result of not regulating the space. Resources, investments, economic value—gone, because people have just been doing things anyhow. No standards, no proper payment to the government,” he said.
Steve expressed dismay that private operators in the sector have long operated without adequate oversight, a gap that has cost the nation both financially and strategically.
Dr. Steve also highlighted the regulation’s potential to boost geospatial accuracy and technological advancement. “Proper regulation enhances the accuracy of location information and improves the application of geospatial technology across sectors,” he said.
He urged professionals in the geoinformation ecosystem to actively educate the public about the benefits of space regulation and promote a unified, well-informed response to the policy.
Geoinformation, he noted, underpins critical services including mapping, land administration, environmental monitoring, and urban planning—making clear standards and oversight essential for national development.
GEOSON’s call for inclusive governance comes as Nigeria seeks to expand its space capabilities amid growing global interest in satellite technology, data services, and earth observation applications.