President Muhammadu Buhari has stated that the Federal Government is committed to the development of Nigeria’s space sector, adding that the government will keep supporting space programmes towards the growth of Nigeria’s Space Agency.
The President disclosed this on Friday in a statement signed by Dr Felix Ale, Head, Media and Cooperate Communications of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) in Abuja, after Buhari presided over the National Space Council (NSC) meeting at the Statehouse.
“Space technology provides a new frontier for human development as a stimulant for increased technological advancement and economic innovation,” Buhari said.
“It offers a unique platform for effective exploration and exploitation of natural resources as well as the protection of our environment.
“The government is committed to development of the space sector, because it is the foundation for cybersecurity and a vibrant digital economy which is at the forefront of progress and development across the globe.
“The government will keep supporting space programmes, particularly in the provision of relevant resources needed for the growth and ultimate realisation of the various mandates of the Nigeria space agency,” Buhari added.
The President also directed the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, to urgently prepare and submit to the Federal Executive Council for consideration and approval, a revised 25-year roadmap for the implementation of the National Space Policy.
Director-General of NASRDA, Dr Halilu Shaba, disclosed plans to launch two very important satellites: the Synthetic Aperture Radar, Nigeria SAR -1 and Nigeria Sat-3, an optical earth observation satellite.
American private space exploration company founded by Elon Musk, SpaceX, says it is working to pursue all necessary licenses needed to bring the Starlink Satellite internet services to Nigeria.
