Nigeria is to strengthen relationship with Japan on Nano Satellite technology and Space exploration as part of its economic diversification policy.
Speaking when the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Sadandou Kusaoke paid him a courtesy call, the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu said Japan had recorded significant feats in the science world that would be of great benefit to Nigeria.
According to Dr. Onu, with the Federal Government’s commitment of making the economy innovation and knowledge-driven, Nigeria would benefit from Japanese expertise in Space exploration and Nano technology, adding that the existing cooperation between Japan and the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) would be strengthened and sustained for maximum impact
He further solicited Japanese cooperation in the area of Artificial Intelligence and Nano technology to boost agricultural production.
With Artificial Intelligence, according to Dr. Onu, the drudgery of farming would be a thing of the past as technology would replace hard labor, thus making farming a pastime.
The Minister commended Japan for offering scholarships to Nigerian students to study specialized courses in Science, Engineering and Mathematics.
He called for improved trade relations between the two countries, recalling that it was a Japanese firm that helped in building Port-Harcourt refinery.
Dr. Onu also revealed that the Ministry was working assiduously through its agencies to ensure that research and development results are converted into tangible, concrete products and services.
Speaking earlier, the Japanese Ambassador, Mr. Sadandou Kusaoke said the bilateral relationship between the two countries would be sustained for the common good of both.
Mr. Kusaoke used the opportunity to extend invitation to the Minister to attend the forthcoming meeting of the 2nd International Space Exploration holding in Mach, 2018, in Japan.
He said the meeting will afford Nigeria opportunity to benefit from the experience of other countries.
AbdulGaniyu Aminu
DD (Press)
