The federal government has approved the launch of four new surveillance satellites, aimed at boosting real-time intelligence and supporting military operations in remote and conflict-prone zones like the Sambisa Forest.
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, made the announcement during the 22nd National Council on Innovation, Science and Technology in Abuja. According to him, the satellites, three for Earth observation and one equipped with radar technology, will provide uninterrupted imaging capabilities, even in harsh weather conditions and during the night.
The development comes amid rising concern over the use of armed drones by terrorist groups in the northeast. These drones — reportedly similar to those used in modern conflict zones like Ukraine and Gaza — have contributed to more coordinated and deadlier attacks, leaving the military desperate for cutting-edge surveillance tools.
“With these satellites, we can shorten our response time, track enemy movement more precisely, and eliminate blind spots in difficult terrains,” Nnaji said. “This is about giving our military an upper hand through innovation.”
Beyond military applications, the satellite launch is part of a broader push to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign data and strengthen local research capabilities. Nnaji criticised the disconnect between academic research and its practical application, lamenting how innovations from Nigerian universities often go unnoticed or underutilised.
To address this, he proposed the establishment of a National Research and Innovation Fund to back homegrown projects with commercial and national relevance.
“President Tinubu’s administration is committed to solving real problems through Nigerian solutions,” the minister stated. “We must shift from theory to impact.”
The satellite project marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s science-to-security agenda — one that could transform not only how the country fights insecurity but how it values local innovation.
