National Space Research and Development Agency
NASRDA
About
The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) is the national space agency of Nigeria. It is a parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology and is based in the Lugbe district of Abuja, where it also has a ground receiving station and other sites. The agency works on space technology and has cooperated with the United Kingdom, China, Ukraine and Russia. It operates satellites, including earth observation and communications satellites, and hosts one of UN-SPIDER's Regional Support Offices in Africa. NASRDA has struggled to meet its financial plans and some of its facilities are rundown. Nevertheless, it is considered one of the most advanced space agencies in Africa, with four satellites and ambitious future plans, and its satellites have been praised for their high-resolution images.
History
NASRDA was formally established on 5 May 1999 by the Federal Government of Nigeria following the approval of the National Space Policy and Programmes by President Olusegun Obasanjo, with the primary objective of establishing a fundamental policy for the development of space science and technology, and an initial budget of $93 million. In May 2006, the new extended national space programme was adopted. NASRDA has launched four satellites of its own, the first in 2003 and the last in 2009.
Source: Wikipedia: National Space Research and Development Agency
Key Facts
Established
5 May 1999
Headquarters
Lugbe, Abuja, Nigeria
Director-General
Mathew Olumide Adepoju
Members
5,500 (2025)
Jurisdiction
Federal Government of Nigeria
Abbreviation
NASRDA
Website
central.nasrda.gov.ng