Nigeria moves to develop a National Space Strategy and AI Trust

Nigeria is set to define a comprehensive National Space Strategy as part of its efforts to strengthen its presence in the global space industry. In a collaborative move, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, held a strategic meeting with the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, to discuss the framework for the country’s space ambitions. The discussion underscored the urgency of creating a well-structured national space policy that articulates Nigeria’s vision, goals, and strategic priorities in the sector.

To actualize this vision, the ministers agreed to establish a dedicated committee comprising representatives from all relevant government agencies under their ministries, as well as key stakeholders from related sectors. This committee will be tasked with developing a structured roadmap that will serve as the foundation for Nigeria’s space policy, ensuring that the country’s approach to space exploration, satellite technology, and related research aligns with global standards and national development objectives.

In addition to space policy discussions, the meeting also addressed the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) recent approval of the National Artificial Intelligence Trust. Dr. Tijani emphasized that the Trust is a critical step towards positioning Nigeria at the forefront of AI innovation and governance. As part of this initiative, Chief Uche Nnaji will play a pivotal role in shaping its implementation, reinforcing the government’s commitment to fostering AI development while ensuring regulatory oversight and ethical considerations.

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye