Nigeria seeks space technology advancement through international partnerships

Joy Agwunobi

Nigeria  is stepping up its space technology capabilities through international partnerships, with the goal of positioning the country as a leading player in the space sector.

Uche Nnaji, Nigeria’s minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, shared this vision during a meeting with representatives from Axiom Space at the ongoing 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

In a statement released by Felix Ale, director of media and corporate communications at the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), the minister emphasised that advancements in space technology would positively influence various sectors critical to national development. These include healthcare, agriculture, education, and weather forecasting.

Nnaji stressed the potential of space technology to transform Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape, stating, “Space technologies have an impact on almost all aspects of development.” He added that the space economy has the potential to create wealth and drive national development.

The meeting with Axiom Space, a prominent American aerospace company, forms part of Nigeria’s broader agenda to partner with global space experts to boost its technological infrastructure. Nnaji expressed gratitude to the Axiom Space team for their willingness to collaborate, noting that Nigeria is fully open to partnerships that will accelerate the country’s space program.

“We are open to collaboration and partnership in the drive towards the effective development of our space programme,” Nnaji said.

The minister further underscored that space science and technology are essential pillars of the administration’s commitment to economic diversification and innovation.

In addition to discussions with Axiom Space, Nnaji held a separate meeting with Brock Pierce, the United Nations Special Advisor on Social and Economic Development, to explore further opportunities for enhancing Nigeria’s technological landscape.

During the meeting, Nnaji reiterated his commitment to improving the operations of various parastatals under his ministry, describing it not just as a priority but as a mission that he was determined to accomplish.

“My decision to positively impact various parastatals under my ministry is not just a priority but a mission that must be accomplished,”he noted.

On his part, Idris Saliu, Special Adviser to the President on Technology and Digital Economy, praised Nnaji’s commitment to the sector, stating “Your passion and determination towards consolidating the nation’s achievements in the critical sector of Space Science and Technology is commendable.”

 He added that Axiom Space’s proposals would be given serious consideration for future collaborations.

Matthew Adepoju, the director general of NASRDA, acknowledged Nnaji’s efforts and expressed gratitude for prioritising the meeting despite his busy schedule.

He remarked that the success of the Space Agency would undoubtedly contribute to better defining and driving innovation and development in the country.

Garvey McIntosh, senior director of International Government Business at Axiom Space, expressed optimism about Nigeria’s potential to become a leading space power in Africa. “Nigeria is primed to leverage this relationship into a burgeoning space industry,” he remarked, while stressing the importance of policy implementation and attracting investment to achieve these goals.