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FG Invests N2.5Bn in Satellite Surveillance System to Revolutionise Mining Sector
Federal government has unveiled N2.5 billion Satellite Surveillance System aimed at revolutionising the mining sector by boosting efficiency, improving safety measures, and fostering economic growth.
Dr. Olugbenga Oyewole, managing director, MikyWay Visuals Limited, detailed how the satellite technology will transform Nigeria’s mining landscape in an interview with Voice of Nigeria,
Oyewole, who represents the commercial wing of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), the body responsible for implementing the satellite infrastructure, described MikyWay Visuals Limited as a “pseudo-government company,” highlighting its ties with the government through NASRDA.
“By using satellite data, we are able to monitor, assess, and provide actionable insights to help improve Nigeria’s mining sector,” he noted.
He said the key component of the satellite monitoring system is the creation of a comprehensive mineral map of Nigeria, which will outline the locations of various mineral deposits across the country, “by integrating satellite data with mining licenses issued by the Ministry of Solid Minerals, inspectors can easily identify illegal mining activities and ensure compliance with regulations.”
The Managing Director further explained that miners will be equipped with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), tagged ID cards, which will enable authorities to verify the legitimacy of mining operations.
He noted that the satellite surveillance also serves a crucial safety function by assessing the integrity of mining sites.
“If a mine is at risk of collapse, the technology will trigger early warnings, allowing authorities to evacuate workers and prevent disasters.
“Satellite data gives us an overview of the entire country, and it doesn’t forget anything,” he said.
Oyewole stated that the system will track the movement of mined materials, process taxes and royalties, and generate QR codes that will facilitate the traceability of minerals as they are transported across the country.
“When customs or law enforcement encounter a truck carrying minerals, they can scan the QR code to verify the authenticity and trace the mineral back to its source,” he explained.
The first phase of the project will include the implementation of these technologies, while the second phase will focus on deploying the electronic reporting platform.
“The goal is to optimise revenue, enhance safety, and ensure that Nigeria’s mining industry operates responsibly and sustainably.”
Oyewole emphasised the principle of “working smart” in operations, noting that targeted strategies can significantly enhance efficiency.
For instance, rather than monitoring every border for illegal exports, customs officials can focus on specific routes, optimising resources.
This smart approach also extends to the mining sector, where inspectors can be directed to high-activity areas, minimising unnecessary manpower.
Oyewole explained that in cases where real-time data is needed, “drones connected to satellite communication are employed for live monitoring.”
Citing the ability to provide live footage of mining operations and share it instantly with government officials, allowing them to direct their teams efficiently.
He also touched on the security of satellite surveillance data, emphasising that access would be restricted on a “need-to-know” basis.
Mining inspectors would only have access to information relevant to their operations, while sensitive data would be available to select agencies like the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, National Security Adviser (NSA), and the Department of State Services (DSS).
In addition, the technology allows for the review of historical data, which can be crucial for tracking unpaid revenues or past illegal activities.
On the topic of satellite and security data, Oyewole mentioned that the technology being used is beyond reproach.
“You can’t deceive anyone,” he said, referring to spectrophotometers and RFID chips that ensure the authenticity of materials being transported.
“If you are carrying in a truck, maybe you are carrying maybe some gold sand or something, and you get to the customs or anybody, or you meet the mining marshal, and you tell them that this is a bentonite, I’m going to just apply for them to drill pretending as if it’s ordinary sand.
“The spectrophotometer, once you point it at it, it will tell you exactly what and what are in that thing that you are carrying.”
In addressing concerns about the potential for corruption or compromise, Oyewole was confident that the transparency of the technology would eliminate such risks.
“Even if I, as the managing director, were to compromise, the ministry, NSA, or DSS would have access to the same data, making any attempts at deceit impossible.”
Oyewole also advocated for the establishment of refineries in Nigeria to further process minerals, such as gold, to international standards.
By doing so, he suggested, Nigeria could ensure the traceability of its minerals and maximise their economic value.
The government’s proactive approach to creating a traceable and responsible mining industry, he added, will be a key factor in boosting Nigeria’s global competitiveness in the sector.
He believes Nigeria embracing geospatial technology, is essential to effective national governance.
“The difference between Nigeria and America, lies in the use of technology and data agency collaboration. If we leverage these properly, Nigeria can emerge as a global leader, just as America has and we are excited, and this will not be another abandoned project,” he concluded.
A recently released Henley Passport Index 2026, showed that Nigerian citizens can travel to at least 20 destinations outside the African continent where entry is allowed either visa-free, with a visa on arrival (VOA) at no extra cost, or via an e-visa.
This expanded access opens doors for Nigerian travellers to experience countries in the Caribbean, Asia, and beyond with greater ease.
Below is a comprehensive guide to countries outside Africa which Nigerian passport holders can visit without a traditional visa.
Visa-Free Countries outside Africa for Nigerian Passport Holders:
Barbados
Cambodia – Visa on arrival
Comoros Islands – Visa on arrival
Cook Islands
Dominica
Fiji
Haiti
Iran – Visa on arrival
Kiribati
Lebanon
Maldives – Visa on arrival
Micronesia
Montserrat
Niue – Visa on arrival
Palau Islands – Visa on arrival
Samoa – Visa on arrival
St. Kitts and Nevis
Timor-Leste – Visa on arrival
Tuvalu
Vanuatuul
Nigeria and Israel yesterday reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation in research, technology and innovation as both countries pledged to expand partnerships that will drive entrepreneurship, commercialise research and accelerate economic development.
The commitment was made at the closing ceremony and innovation showcase of the I-FAIR Cohort of the Israel-Nigeria Innovation Fellowship for Aspiring Inventors and Researchers (I-FAIR) in Abuja, where the Ambassador of Israel to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, announced that funding had been secured for the fifth edition of the programme, scheduled to begin in October 2026.
Freeman described I-FAIR as a practical demonstration of the growing partnership between both countries, saying it had enabled Nigerian innovators to develop local solutions to national challenges through Israeli mentorship and expertise.
He said, “This programme has never been about bringing Israeli solutions to Nigeria. It’s been about helping brilliant Nigerian innovators develop Nigerian solutions to Nigerian challenges supported by Israeli experience, mentorship and innovation.”
The envoy noted that the initiative had brought together government, academia, investors, engineers and entrepreneurs to transform innovative ideas into businesses capable of creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.
Announcing the continuation of the programme, he said, “I am so proud to stand here today and announce that we have secured with our partners funding for I-FAIR 5 and I-FAIR 5 will be launching in October 2026.”
Freeman said the relationship between Nigeria and Israel had grown significantly over the past four and a half years through cooperation in innovation, agriculture, healthcare, education, water management and technology.
He expressed confidence that stronger collaboration between both countries would unlock greater opportunities for startups, research institutions and businesses.
According to him, “Israel brings experience and innovation, technology, agriculture, healthcare, cyber security, security and water management. Nigeria brings extraordinary talent, creativity, entrepreneurship and one of the most dynamic young populations anywhere in the world.”
He added, “I have no doubt that the best chapters of the relationship between Israel and Nigeria are still ahead of us.”
The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Architect Sonny Echono, also reaffirmed TETFund’s commitment to strengthening research and innovation through strategic partnerships with Israel and other stakeholders.
He said the I-FAIR programme aligned with Nigeria’s priorities in food security, agriculture, medicine, technology, clean energy and the circular economy, adding that TETFund would continue supporting initiatives that promote research commercialisation.
Echono stressed that collaboration between government, academia and industry remained critical to translating research findings into products and services.
He said, “It is this critical linkage, especially between science, engineering, technology and innovation, and the productive sector that is critical for translating R&D results and inventions into finished products for socio-economic benefits of our people.”
He disclosed that TETFund was working with partners to establish innovation facilities in about 60 tertiary institutions and had created a student innovation fund that would provide up to ₦50 million to students with commercially viable ideas.
The TETFund boss also announced plans for a National Research Fair later this year, where innovators would showcase products before policymakers, financial institutions and investors to attract funding and commercial partnerships.
Paying tribute to the outgoing Israeli ambassador, Echono described Freeman as a strong bridge between Nigeria and Israel.
He said, “Nigeria is grateful for your service. You have been a strong bridge between our two countries.”
Earlier, Head of Programmes at Innov8 Hub, Tolulope Aina, said sustainable economic development depended on building an innovation ecosystem that transforms ideas into successful businesses.
She noted that Innov8 Hub had supported more than 3,000 innovators, researchers and entrepreneurs, helping them convert research into products, startups and investment-ready ventures.
Aina said, “Nigeria does not suffer from a shortage of brilliant minds, what we need are stronger pathways that help those ideas become products, businesses, and opportunities that improve life.”
She thanked the Embassy of Israel and TETFund for their continued support in strengthening Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
According to her, “Building an innovation-driven economy requires collaboration, long-term commitment and shared purpose.”
Chief Judges drawn from countries across the African continent have resolved to collaborate and support measures aimed at ensuring the success of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) through an efficient, reliable and predictable dispute resolution system.
They agreed to explore ways to harmonize disputes resolution mechanisms in the continent with a view to making it easier and faster to resolve commercial disputes.
The resolutions formed part of the decisions taken at the third Africa Chief Justices’ Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya between June 18 and 19.
According to a statement by the Special Assistant on Media to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Mr. Tobi Soniyi, the African judicial leaders were of the view that commercial confidence depends largely on legal certainty.
They emphasised how structured Alternative Disputes Resolution could enhance commercial justice, protect the business environment and support the AfCFTA.
In her contribution, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun urged called on African judiciaries to proactively prepare for emerging challenges to disputes resolution in the continent.
Justice Kekere-Ekun, who served as Co-Chair of the session on “Financial sector disputes, tax certainty and ADR: Building commercial confidence in Africa, noted that AfCFTA represents one of the most ambitious economic integration projects in modern history.
The CJN, who stressed the importance of a proactive Judiciary to the success of AfCFTA, warned that its success would depend, not only on trade protocols, tariff reductions and economic policies, but also on the strength and reliability of the institutions that support commerce.
Justice Kekere-Ekun urged her colleagues to examine how judiciaries in the continent, central banks, tax administrations and ADR institutions could work together to reduce uncertainty, prevent disputes, strengthen investor confidence and support the realization of AfCFTA’s objectives.
She envisaged the growth of intra-African trade to inevitably generate cross-border tax disputes; foreign exchange disputes; banking and payment system disputes; digital commerce disputes; enforcement of arbitral awards; recognition of foreign judgments; and disputes arising from regional supply chains.
The CJN, who said “African Judiciaries must proactively prepare for these emerging realities,” challenged African judicial leaders on the importance of disputes prevention mechanism.
She stated that modern commercial justice must move beyond the traditional focus on disputes resolution after conflicts arise.
“The most successful commercial systems are not those that generate the highest volumes of litigation but those that reduce the need for litigation,” she added.
Justice Kekere-Ekun, who stressed the importance of ADR, cautioned against seeing ADR as merely an alternative procedure.
She said ADR should rather be considered as a strategic tool for reducing transaction costs, preserving commercial relationships, enhancing investor confidence, reducing court congestion, improving ease of doing business and strengthening commercial certainty.
Sharing the Nigerian experiences, Justice Kekere-Ekun cited the recent decision by the Nigerian Supreme Court in the case of EMTS v. AFDIN Ventures Ltd. & Ors. (2026), which reaffirmed important principles of commercial certainty, including respect for arbitration agreements; recognition that consent may be inferred from conduct; judicial restraint from re-litigating arbitral disputes on the merits; and the importance of finality in arbitral awards.
According to her, the decision reinforced Nigeria’s position as an arbitration-supportive jurisdiction.
She identified timely resolution of tax disputes as an important factor in ensuring certainty and recommended Nigerian tax disputes resolution mechanism which she said “offers useful example of institutional reforms that support commercial certainty.”
Justice Kekere-Ekun recommended the Nigeria’s Tax Appeal Tribunal model, which she described as one of Nigeria’s most significant innovations.
According to Mr. Soniyi, Justice Kekere-Ekun’s message to his brother justices is clear: building an African commercial environment in which investors, businesses, regulators and citizens can transact across borders with confidence, secure in the knowledge that their rights will be protected and their obligations fairly enforced.
The summit advanced the goals of the African Chief Justices Alternative Dispute Resolution Forum (ACJADRF) to harmonize jurisprudence and establish common enforcement standards across the continent.
The CJN was, on the last day of the summit, nominated by the Chief Justice of Kenya as the Vice Chairperson of the Africa Chief Justice ADR Forum with effect from August 1, 2026. The nomination was ratified by the forum.
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