Positioning Nigeria as a leader in African space regulation: Lessons from global best practices

Abstract

Given the strategic significance of space technologies for African governments' long-term development, strong regulatory frameworks are crucial for unlocking their full potential. Nigeria, via the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), has made tremendous progress in satellite deployment and policy formation, but inadequacies in Nigeria's legal and regulatory frameworks hinder its ability to lead in African space governance. Using comparative policy analysis and secondary data, this study evaluates global frameworks (U.S., France, India) and Nigeria’s landscape, emphasizing legislative clarity, sustainability, and private sector engagement. Drawing on best practices from the United States, France, and India, this study highlights key aspects, including legislative clarity, commercial space governance, environmental sustainability, private sector participation, and international collaboration. It examines Nigeria's legislative instruments, finding strengths and needs for improvement, and discusses issues like as finance, institutional capacity, and governance transparency. The proposed framework focuses on establishing an independent Space Regulatory Authority (SRA) that aligns with global and regional norms fosters commercial activity, and develops regulatory competence. Nigeria can safeguard its national interests while playing a pivotal role in shaping a unified African space governance framework aligned with the African Union's Agenda 2063.