President Muhammadu Buhari has tasked the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) to effectively utilise the satellite facilities at its disposal towards resolving the critical issues confronting Nigeria, particularly in the areas of security, improved communication, and digital penetration, as well as agriculture.
He gave the charge on Thursday at a meeting with members of the National Space Council of the agency at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the nation’s capital. The President expressed a renewed commitment to the space sector, describing it as the foundation of cybersecurity and a vibrant digital economy. “No doubt Space is providing a new frontier for human development,” he was quoted as saying in a statement by his media aide, Garba Shehu.
He added, “As a stimulus for increased technological advancement and economic innovation, outer space offers a unique challenge and platform for effective exploration and exploitation of our natural resources and the protection of our environment. “Moreover, space technology remains the foundation for cybersecurity and a vibrant digital economy.” To this end, President Buhari directed the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, to prepare and submit a revised 25-year roadmap for the implementation of the National Space Policy to the Federal Executive Council for consideration and approval.
He noted that there was a need to put in place the necessary infrastructure required for the actualisation of the goals and objectives of the nation’s space policy and programme. The President urged the agency to engage in partnerships with other relevant stakeholders and the private sector to achieve its objectives.
