By Ninma Yacim
The Director General, National Space Research and Development Agency, NASRDA, Dr. Matthew Adepoju has said that t he Agency will continue to uphold its commitment to solidifying its reputation as Africa’s premier Space Agency, not only in space science but also in space law.
The Director General, who was represented by the Director, Satellite Data Management department, Dr. Abayomi Alaga, made the assertion during the opening ceremony of the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot court competition 2025, at the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
Dr. Adepoju emphasized that there are not enough space lawyers globally, making the competition crucial in raising awareness about the importance of space law and its practice in Nigeria and Africa.
He said no field of study is superior to another, as law and science both involve exploring the unknown to establish what is known and both should therefore be treated with the utmost importance.
The NASRDA boss commended the Local Organizing Committee for successfully organizing this year’s competition and reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to securing Nigeria’s rightful place in space law.
Speaking earlier, the Acting Director of Legal Services, Barr. Isa Yahaya, stated that the Moot Court Competition aligns with the Agency’s mission of capacity building across all areas of space science and technology, emphasizing that no space program can thrive without a strong foundation in space law.
He added that the competition which was designed to assess participants’ knowledge of space law, as well as their oratory and writing skills, is a strategic initiative to attract more professionals to the field.
Barrister Yahaya acknowledged that while all branches of law are noble, space law stands as the noblest and should be embraced accordingly.
Also speaking at the event, the Director of NASRDA’s, African Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education – English, ARCSSTEE, Ile-Ife, Dr. Festus Olatoyinbo, appreciated the Director General for supporting the Manfred Lachs Space Moot court initiative.
He announced that ARCSSTEE has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Obafemi Awolowo University to offer postgraduate courses in space law.
Dr. Olatoyinbo also encouraged both participants and NASRDA staff to take advantage of this opportunity to further their studies in space law.
In his remarks, the Chairman, LOC, Barr. Henry Akunne said that the competition is not just a forum for debate and legal argumentation but it represents the Agency’s commitment to understanding and shaping the future of space governance.
He added that the essence of the competition is not solely competition, but rather for the exchange of ideas, forging of relationships, and the enhancement of the rule of law in space.
