Nigeria has recorded a groundbreaking scientific achievement as Anas Isah, a Gombe-born aerospace engineer and founder of ATIL Aerospace, unveiled STRATON-X — the first privately built indigenous rocket in Nigeria and West Africa.
The rocket, conceived, designed and developed entirely within Nigeria, marks a major leap in the region’s aerospace ambitions. Isah described the project as a symbol of what local innovation can achieve without foreign technical assistance.
Speaking on Sunday, Isah expressed gratitude to God and urged the Nigerian government and key institutions to recognise and support the breakthrough.
“By God’s grace, I have achieved a historic breakthrough for Nigeria and West Africa through the STRATON-X project,” he said.
“This is the first private indigenous rocket ever built and tested in our region. I believe this is not just my success, but a national milestone that shows what Nigerians can achieve with vision, discipline, and commitment.”
He noted that STRATON-X proves Nigeria’s capability to produce homegrown aerospace technology with both civilian and national security applications.
“This project shows that we can build it here in Nigeria, for Nigeria,” Isah said.
“All we need now is national protection, official recognition, and the right support to scale this into a national asset.”
Isah said further development of the project will require federal backing, strategic grants, and strong collaboration with academic and industrial institutions, stressing that the rocket could evolve into a full aerospace program supporting research, defense, and national development.
“The mission has begun. Now, we scale,” he declared.
Calls for support have been directed at the Presidency, the National Assembly, relevant ministries, and key agencies across the country, with emphasis on promoting Made-in-Nigeria technology and strengthening national technological sovereignty.
The STRATON-X achievement has gained widespread attention on social media under hashtags such as #MadeInGombe, #StratonX, #ATILAerospace, and #NigeriaFirst, drawing praise from citizens who see it as a major symbol of national pride.
Observers say the breakthrough comes at a time when Nigeria is seeking solutions in security, energy, and technological independence — and that such innovation could serve as a catalyst for renewed investment in science and research.
“This is not just a rocket,” Isah concluded. “It’s a message that Nigeria is rising, and we can achieve great things when we believe in ourselves.”
