Senate Science & Tech Committee Chairman, Aminu Iya Applauds Efforts in Space, Decries  Funding Crisis 

By Onwe Wisdom Pan Afric Reporters

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, Senator Aminu Iya Abbas has applauded efforts in science and technology, says Nigeria is on the verge of major scientific breakthroughs, but warns that chronic funding delays threaten to undermine progress across key projects areas from satellite deployment to technology incubation.

Speaking in an exclusive interview National Assembly Media Forum in his office, the chairman said 2025 has been “a year of promises” for the committee, noting that despite political and economic challenges, significant milestones have been achieved.

He announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the launch of a new Nigerian satellite, describing it as a “game changer when it comes to security and weather forecasts for the country.” Preparations for procurement and final setup are ongoing, he said, paving the way for Nigeria’s next satellite  to head into orbit.

Speaking on the achievements of the committee, he said “beyond the satellite project, the committee also recorded progress in strengthening national innovation systems. According to the chairman, the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) has established 59 technology incubation centres nationwide, with some states hosting two. The centres, backed by an amended bill, are expected to fully commence operations in 2026.

He emphasized that the initiative will “bring a lot of changes in Nigeria” by nurturing startups, enhancing research, and creating jobs.

Another major legislative achievement, he noted, is the Local Raw Materials Development Bill, which has now passed both chambers of the National Assembly and awaits presidential assent. The bill, he said, will empower the government to prohibit the export of raw materials without processing them locally.

“It will generate a lot of employment for our teaming unemployed youth and women,” he said, expressing optimism that the law would boost industrialization.

However, the chairman did not shy away from acknowledging the setbacks the committee has faced, chief among them being funding.

“Funding. Everybody knows the issue of funding in Nigeria,” he said bluntly. “No release of 2024 capital funding, and 2025 capital funding is not implemented. It’s a challenge not only for us but for the entire country.”

He explained that although projects have been initiated and letters of award issued, many contractors and agencies are unable to proceed because they are still waiting for capital releases.

“Once there is funding, projects start running and people start seeing the difference,” he said, adding that the committee is fully prepared to move forward by early 2026  “by the special grace of God” if funds are released.

The chairman also acknowledged some internal setbacks within the science and technology sector, including changes in ministerial leadership, which he described as part of “the good, the bad and the ugly” the committee had to navigate in 2025.

On the much-anticipated raw material bill, he reaffirmed that the committee had completed its work: “We have passed the bill in the Senate, and the House has passed it. We’re waiting for the President to sign. That is what we are waiting for.”

Despite challenges, the chairman remained optimistic: “We are on the right path in Nigeria,” he said, confident that with adequate funding and presidential assent on pending legislation, Nigeria’s science and technology sector is poised for a transformative leap in 2026.