Nigeria is charting a new course in the deployment of space technology for national development, with the Federal Government intensifying efforts to strengthen the country’s space capabilities, expand international partnerships and position Nigeria for a greater role in the global space economy.
The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, represented by the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, stated this at the inaugural International Space Summit held in Paris, France.
The high-level summit, hosted by the President of the French Republic, His Excellency Emmanuel Macron, brought together global leaders, experts and key stakeholders to deliberate on the future of space as a critical domain for strategic development, economic growth, security, scientific advancement and technological innovation.
He said that Federal Government is taking deliberate steps to advance Nigeria’s space ambitions and harness space technology as an important instrument for national transformation, noting that the recent approval of funding for the development of Nigeria’s space assets demonstrates the Administration’s determination to build a stronger, more innovative and globally competitive space ecosystem.
Accompanied by the Director-General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Prof. Matthew Olumide Adepoju, engaged with international partners and stakeholders at the summit, exploring opportunities for strategic collaboration, technology development and capacity building to further strengthen Nigeria’s space programme.
According to him, Nigeria’s space programme holds significant potential to support national priorities, including communications, agriculture, environmental monitoring, disaster management, national security, scientific research and economic development, stressing that sustained investment in STI remains critical to unlocking these opportunities.
He further assured that the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology would continue to drive policies, investments and strategic partnerships that promote scientific discovery, technological innovation and sustainable development, while strengthening Nigeria’s position in the rapidly evolving global space landscape.
The President said the International Space Summit provided an important platform for Nigeria to deepen international cooperation and exchange knowledge with countries and institutions at the forefront of space technology, adding that Nigeria would continue to pursue partnerships capable of delivering tangible benefits to the nation.
“The future of space is a future of opportunity, and Nigeria is determined to play a significant role in shaping it and harnessing its immense potential for national development,” he stated.
Mrs. Pauline Sule,mnipr
Head,Press and Public Relations, FMIST
