A Transformational Scorecard on His Senate Confirmation Anniversary
Director General, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA)
Appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, CFR – May 21, 2024 | Confirmed by Senate – July 9, 2024
NASRDA AT LIFT-OFF: ONE YEAR OF HISTORIC GAINS UNDER DR. ADEPOJU
Exactly one year ago, on July 9, 2024, Dr. Matthew Olumide Adepoju was confirmed by the Nigerian Senate as Director General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), following his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, CFR, on May 21, 2024.
His appointment heralded a new era for Nigeria’s space ecosystem—anchored on innovation, infrastructure renewal, strategic partnerships, and inclusive human capital development. In just twelve months, Dr. Adepoju has repositioned NASRDA with a visionary, results-driven approach that has moved the agency from underperformance to global visibility.
This one-year scorecard highlights key accomplishments that define his transformative leadership.
MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS AT A GLANCE
Structural Innovation: Created two new departments—Space Enterprise & Space Regulation, and Spectrum Management.
Welfare & Morale: Cleared legacy debts and salary arrears; restored staff confidence and institutional pride.
Human Resources: Promoted 17 deputy directors; introduced performance-based evaluation frameworks.
Infrastructure Renewal:
Renovated NASRDA HQ gate to international standards.
Refurbished key laboratories, clean rooms, and satellite integration facilities.
New Facilities:
Commissioned the Advanced UAV Laboratory.
Launched the Zero-Gravity Drone Lab Initiative.
Landmark Scientific Achievement: Established Nigeria’s first VLBI Geodetic Observatory in Turu.
Monitoring & Research: Deployed GNSS receivers and Earthquake Monitoring Stations across strategic locations nationwide.
Satellite Ambitions: Initiated the Student Satellite Development Initiative, targeting 100 Nigerian-made satellites by 2030.
Capacity Development: Trained 42 interns and graduates through the Centre for Satellite Technology Development (CSTD).
Public Sector Collaboration: Implemented Smart Driving Licence and National Digital ID systems in partnership with E7 Group.
Agricultural Innovation: Applied satellite imaging in precision agriculture, including CropWatch West Africa Centre in Benue State.
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS & SPACE DIPLOMACY
Government Agencies: Collaborated with NSA, EFCC, NOA, UBEC, NABDA, FCT-UBEB, among others.
State-Level Engagements: Signed MoUs with Kogi, Benue, Ebonyi, Rivers, and other states.
Private Sector Partnerships: Collaborated with Zenith Bank, GNSS Nigeria, Abaa Tech, MBH Power Ltd, DIGI SOLS 360, and more.
Global Alliances:
Renewed MoUs with NASA and China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC).
Deepened ties with European Space Agency (ESA), UK Space Agency, World Bank, and UN COPUOS.
Initiated discussions with Axiom Space and SERA for astronaut flight programs.
HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT & YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
Trained over 440 students and corps members in geospatial software, space science, and digital technologies.
Established Space Clubs and Coding Bootcamps in secondary schools.
Hosted Queen Angelique Monet, global education ambassador, to boost space science literacy.
Rolled out the NASRDA/Grassroots Bridge Builders Skill Project, empowering youth with digital space-related skills.
POLICY, BUDGET & REGULATORY MILESTONES
Successfully defended the 2024 NASRDA budget at the National Assembly.
Presented the 2023/2024 Performance Report to key legislative stakeholders.
Introduced a new branding identity and regulatory frameworks for Nigeria’s emerging space economy.
Convened the inaugural Space Regulation Stakeholder Conference, attracting major players from both public and private sectors.
NATIONAL PRIDE & PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
Led NASRDA’s 25th Anniversary Celebrations, featuring a major exhibition at the Presidential Villa.
Publicly announced the January 2025 planetary alignment, inspiring national interest in astronomy.
Promoted science literacy through nationwide STEM outreach programs and championships.
Celebrated Dr. Daniel Okwu, a NASRDA scientist, for receiving the AGU Excellence Award.
ADDITIONAL INITIATIVES & IMPACTS
Organised the 2025 NASRDA Management Retreat in Uyo, focusing on internal innovation and reform.
Hosted the 2nd Africa Space Economy Conference & Exhibition (ASEC 2025)—a landmark event in the continent’s space calendar.
Promoted health and productivity through staff sporting activities and wellness campaigns.
Proposed the 2025 CTB Promotion Examinations to enhance staff career progression.
Launched the Theatre for Space Development Initiative, led by celebrated actor Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), to promote space education through the arts.
CONCLUSION
Dr. Matthew Olumide Adepoju’s first year as Director General of NASRDA has marked a bold and progressive chapter in Nigeria’s journey to becoming a key player in the global space economy.
From rejuvenating institutional structures and launching ambitious programs to fostering international alliances and empowering the next generation of scientists, Dr. Adepoju has delivered measurable impact.
As Nigeria explores new frontiers in satellite development, space regulation, and astronautics, one message stands clear:
“We’re not just catching up with the world we’re creating our own orbit.”
