By Dare Balogun, 8th April,2025
News SOCIETY WATCH following for you; The Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, has pledged the Commission’s unwavering support for the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) in implementing the newly approved regulations on the licensing and supervision of space activities in Nigeria. He made this known while delivering a goodwill message at the Stakeholders’ Engagement on Sensitization for the Implementation of Space Regulations, held on April 8, 2025, at NASRDA Headquarters in Abuja.
Dr. Abdullahi emphasized the critical role of energy in powering satellites and space propulsion systems, noting that the ECN, with its statutory mandate to coordinate and plan national energy policies, is strategically positioned to collaborate with NASRDA in advancing space technology. He commended the initiative behind the engagement and reaffirmed the ECN’s commitment to providing technical and policy-level support for the energy aspects of Nigeria’s space development efforts.
Reflecting on his personal connection with NASRDA, Dr. Abdullahi expressed delight at returning to the Space Centre, where he had once served as a junior staff member. He took the opportunity to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR—who also serves as the Board Chairman of both the ECN and NASRDA—for approving the landmark space regulations. He also praised the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, for his visionary leadership, and congratulated the Director-General of NASRDA, Dr. Mathew Adepoju, for his outstanding leadership and capacity.
According to Dr. Abdullahi, the implementation of space regulations and activity licensing is a step in the right direction and aligns with the economic diversification goals under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration. He concluded by assuring all stakeholders of the ECN’s full readiness to collaborate and provide the necessary support to ensure the successful rollout and sustainability of the space regulation framework.
