Some reflective thought on the future of space regulation in Nigeria.
So we are on the same page, we have the National Space Research and Development Agency Act (NASRDA Act) of 2010 and the Draft Regulations on Licensing and Supervision borne out of the need to involve private enterprises in space activities. The Regulation was enacted in 2015 and activated by the Buhari administration in 2021. This framework aims to ensure that Nigeria’s emerging space activities are conducted safely, responsibly, and in accordance with international standards. The Draft Regulations on Licensing and Supervision, though promising, remain incomplete, straining under the weight of an evolving space ecosystem.
The backbone of the 2015 NASRDA Regulations on Licensing and Supervision of Space Activities is Section 4(1), which mandates that no one “shall carry out activities to which the Regulations apply except under the authority of a license granted by the National Space Council.” This sweeping requirement covers a broad range of entities including “Corporations registered in Nigeria with ownership of space object(s)” and “Operators and manufacturers of space object(s) and launch vehicles within Nigerian territory” as outlined in Section 1. The regulation has a far-reaching effect as it covers all space activities carried out in Nigeria or on a Nigerian aircraft or boat. This means activities like satellite launches, satellite operations, remote sensing, space tourism, space debris removal, and spaceflight operations now compulsorily require a license from the Nigerian Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA).
Even with these regulations, there are still lacunas in the Nigerian space ecosystem.
One glaring omission lies in the clarity of liability allocation. The Act recognizes Nigeria’s obligations under international treaties like the Liability Convention, yet fails to offer comprehensive guidance on indemnification and recourse mechanisms. While the Draft Regulations set caps on liabilities for private operators, these thresholds—though pragmatic for a developing nation—risk inadequacy in the face of catastrophic incidents. Additionally, there is little provision for scenarios where claims exceed insured amounts, potentially burdening the government with unmanageable responsibilities.
Another gap exists in the regulatory scope over modern and emerging space activities. The NASRDA Act focuses heavily on satellite data and remote sensing, reflecting the priorities of its time. However, with the advent of new technologies like space mining, in-orbit manufacturing, and commercial human spaceflight, the Act does not adequately address these frontiers. Without proactive updates, Nigeria risks falling behind in the global space race, unable to regulate or benefit from cutting-edge innovations.
Furthermore, the Act and Draft Regulations adopt a licensing regime but provide limited detail on the procedural transparency and enforcement mechanisms. How disputes between the government and private operators will be resolved remains murky. Similarly, provisions for environmental protection in space—such as the mitigation of space debris or preventing contamination—are sparse, reflecting a gap in addressing broader international concerns.
Another lacuna is the absence of detailed funding and resource allocation strategies to oversee private space activities. The NASRDA, originally conceived as a research institution, now bears the monumental task of regulating a burgeoning space sector. Without clear funding mechanisms, the agency risks being under-resourced, and unable to effectively execute its expanded mandate.
These gaps reveal a pressing need for reform in the grand tapestry of Nigeria’s space ambitions. As the nation charts its course among the stars, its legal framework must evolve, not just to meet its international obligations but also to nurture a thriving domestic space industry.
CONCLUSION
As Nigeria aspires to join the prestigious lineup of rising space faring countries, the 2015 Regulations on Licensing and Supervision of Space Activities signal the nation’s determination to achieve its ambitious space goals by upholding the loftiest international standards. With its signature on forward-thinking international Conventions such as the Artemis Accords, Nigeria must align his domestic regulations to prepare for the years to come.
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