The Federal Government has emphasized that space technology is critical to Nigeria’s security, growth, and ability to tackle global challenges.
According to Punch, the Director of Media and Corporate Communications at the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Felix Ale, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.
He revealed that President Bola Tinubu made the remarks during his state visit to Brazil, where Nigeria signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the South American country to enhance cooperation in space science and technology.
The agreement was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, and Brazil’s Science Minister, Mrs. Luciana Santos, and witnessed by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Nnaji stressed that space technology is no longer a luxury but a necessity for national prosperity and security. He cited its importance in addressing climate change, food insecurity, disaster management, and digital transformation.
“The MoU represents a shared vision. Space technology offers Africa and Latin America a powerful tool to leapfrog into the future economy,” Nnaji said.
He added that under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria aims to leverage satellites, rocketry, and data analytics to drive inclusive growth and prosperity.
The pact will enable joint satellite missions on agriculture, climate monitoring, and national security, alongside cooperation in space vehicle engineering, capacity building, and technology transfer.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) will also be deployed for forest conservation in the Amazon and the Nigeria-Cameroon basins, while Earth observation systems will be used to improve resilience against natural disasters and food crises.
Brazil’s Science Minister, Luciana Santos, described the collaboration as a step toward creating globally relevant solutions. President Lula da Silva called the partnership “a bridge of innovation and solidarity between two nations of the Global South.”
