President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigeria’s legislature to prioritize funding and reforms for the nation’s space program, emphasizing its critical role in driving national development and maintaining Africa’s technological leadership. Speaking at the 25th-anniversary celebration of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Tinubu highlighted the transformative potential of space exploration.
The President, represented by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Uche Nnaji, stressed the importance of strengthening NASRDA’s legislative framework and increasing budgetary support. He noted the significant shift from an era when space exploration was exclusively dominated by major global powers to a time when African nations can play pivotal roles.
Key points of Tinubu’s address included:
- Calling for enhanced legislative support to solidify Nigeria’s position in the fourth industrial revolution
- Highlighting space technology’s crucial role in understanding Earth’s surface
- Emphasizing space technologies’ importance in communication, navigation, and security operations
- Committing to continued support of the space program as Chairman of the Space Council
NASRDA’s Director-General, Dr. Mathew Adepoju, outlined a three-point agenda for global competitiveness:
- Prioritizing cutting-edge research and innovative technologies
- Empowering NASRDA’s workforce
- Developing a robust space economy ecosystem through public-private partnerships
The event celebrated Nigeria’s journey from being excluded from space exploration to becoming a significant player in African space technology. Tinubu praised the foresight of early Nigerian leaders who established NASRDA in 1999, recognizing the potential of space exploration for national development.
Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, Managing Director of Nigerian Communications Satellite, called for sustained investment and deeper collaborations to drive economic growth and technological innovation.
The celebration culminated in the unveiling of a 400-page compendium documenting NASRDA’s 25-year history and presenting awards to critical international partners, including the United States, China, India, and the United Kingdom.
By emphasizing space technology’s potential for solving global challenges, from climate change to security operations, Tinubu positioned Nigeria as an emerging leader in the global space exploration landscape.
The milestone event underscores Nigeria’s commitment to technological advancement and its aspiration to be a significant player in the international space community.
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