Space Agency budgets N13m for streetlights across states

The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) plans to spend N13 million for the construction, installation and provision of streetlights in communities in Kogi and Katsina states, as well as other selected locations across the six geopolitical zones in the country despite lamenting a lack of funds to launch new satellites.

The agency made provisions for these projects in the 2025 Appropriation Act.

NASRDA earmarked N10 million for supplying and constructing solar lights in selected locations in the six geo-political zones. It also allocated N1 million each for the procurement and installation of high-tech Reid Mont streetlights in Kengwe, Upogoro, in Ogori-Magongo Local Government Area of Kogi State, provision of solar streetlights in Anchau, Kargi, Pala, Karreh, and Saulawa wards in the Northwest, and the supply and installation of solar streetlights in Tafoki, Mairuwa, Kukasheka, Garagi, and Machika communities of Katsina State.

These projects do not fall within the purview of the agency’s jurisdiction.

Established in 1999 as a parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, NASRDA is responsible for developing, designing, and building appropriate hardware and software in space science technology.

Old Wine, New Skin
This is not the first time the National Space Agency has earmarked funds for constituency projects.

In the past, it has earmarked millions for providing solar streetlights, metal dustbins, sensitisation against unwanted pregnancy, and even training traditional rulers.

In 2024, the agency allocated N4.8 billion for over 20 constituency projects in 11 states across the country.

Some of these allocations included N80 million for the supply of Toyota Hilux Utility Sports for sensitisation against rape and premature/unwanted pregnancy in the Ibadan-North Federal Constituency, Oyo State, and N170 million for the training and empowerment of clergy, traditional rulers/heads of communities on conflict and peace resolution in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The Guardian could not confirm if these funds were disbursed because the Open Treasury Portal containing budget performance documents was inaccessible when The Guardian’s correspondent checked on Wednesday afternoon.