Nigeria to Launch Four Satellites for Security

Beulah Godfrey

May 16, 2025
3 min read

The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the launch of four new satellites to strengthen national security and support military operations. Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, announced the decision at the 22nd National Council on Innovation, Science, and Technology (NCIST) held in Abuja.

He said the Federal Executive Council (FEC) gave the green light for the launch, which includes three Earth Observation satellites and one Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite. These satellites will help monitor Nigeria’s territory, including difficult areas like the Sambisa forest.

New Satellites to Boost Military Surveillance

Minister Nnaji explained that the radar satellite will capture clear images both during the day and at night, even in rainy weather. This advanced technology, he said, will support the Nigerian military by reducing reliance on expensive foreign surveillance data.

He linked this move to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on solving Nigeria’s security and development challenges through innovation and science.

“We got approval to launch four satellites—three for Earth Observation and one search satellite,” he said. “This radar satellite will work around the clock, showing images no matter the time or weather.”

Terrorists Now Use Armed Drones, Say Military

This development comes as Nigeria’s military raised concerns over the use of armed drones by terrorists in the northeast. According to Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, who leads Operation Hadin Kai, the military first spotted these drones in deadly attacks in November 2024.

Moreover, he noted that the drones resemble those used in war zones like Israel and Ukraine, and they are difficult to detect using standard weather systems.

In addition to drones, General Abubakar said insurgents are also using weapons stolen from neighboring Sahel countries. These tools have worsened the conflict in Nigeria’s northeast, which includes six states: Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, Bauchi, and Gombe.

Government Pushes for Innovation and Research Growth

Beyond satellite technology, Minister Nnaji said the government is reviewing the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy. This policy includes plans to create a National Research and Innovation Fund to support homegrown innovation.

He called for stronger links between universities, researchers, and industries. He stressed that Nigeria must close the gap between research and real-world solutions to improve the economy and tackle national problems.

“Our young innovators have great ideas,” he said. “But they need support, mentorship, and funding to turn those ideas into real products.”

At the NCIST event, which ran from May 12 to 14, stakeholders highlighted the importance of turning local research into commercial products. The theme of the meeting was “Research, Develop, Innovate and Commercialise: A Cycle for National Prosperity.”

Minister Nnaji urged scientists and researchers to break new ground, while calling on private companies to invest in research and development (R&D). He said this partnership can drive growth in key areas like indigenous research, emerging technologies, and innovation training.