Nigeria’s Idle Satellites: Untapped $700m Space Assets Could Strengthen National Security
Story: Written by Zara December 2,2025
Nigeria currently has satellite assets valued at over $700 million, yet experts warn that the country has failed to deploy these space resources effectively to combat rising insecurity. Despite possessing advanced satellite technology that could help track terrorists, monitor illegal mining, detect bandit movements and support border surveillance, many of the nation’s space assets remain underutilised.
Security analysts say Nigeria’s satellites—designed for imaging, communication and environmental monitoring—could provide real-time intelligence to the military, police and emergency agencies if properly integrated into national security operations.
They argue that renewed investment in satellite maintenance, data processing and inter-agency collaboration could significantly improve surveillance across forests, borders and remote communities where armed groups operate.
Nigeria’s space programme, led by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), has long been hindered by funding gaps, outdated equipment and weak coordination between the space agency and security institutions.
Stakeholders are urging the government to prioritise satellite upgrades, train security personnel on data usage and integrate satellite intelligence into counterterrorism and anti-banditry strategies.
They also believe that fully activating Nigeria’s dormant space capabilities could reduce reliance on foreign intelligence, lower surveillance costs and increase the speed of response during attacks or kidnappings.
As insecurity deepens, experts say unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s space assets may become a critical step in restoring stability.
