Space Technology Crucial To Nigeria’s Growth – Nnaji

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has said space technology development is crucial to national growth.

Uche Nnaji said space technology offers transformative solutions to global challenges, from monitoring climate change and managing natural resources to enhancing disaster response capabilities worldwide.

The Minister stated this on Monday, in Abuja at the 25th Anniversary of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA).

“The Anniversary is a celebration of vision, perseverance and Nigeria’s commitment to harnessing the limitless possibilities of space technology for national development,” he said.

He noted that the sector is expected to generate over 60% of the country’s new economic value from space-enabled technology.

“The World Economic Forum 2024 projects the global space economy to reach a staggering 1.8 trillion dollars by 2035, driven by advances in satellite technology,” he stated.

Nnaji also explained that the growth of space technology would transcend the aerospace sector, influencing industries such as supply chain logistics, agriculture, defense and digital communication in the country.

The Minister pointed out that “space technology is no longer an abstract pursuit of exploration” stressing that it has become a “silent force underpinning our daily lives, noting that the intricate web of satellite censors and space base infrastructure is shaping the modern world to a greater transformation in the future.”

According to the Ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Atuora Obed, Nnaji commended the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Defense Space Administration and the Nigerian Communication Satellite Limited for the planning and execution of the event, adding that their efforts underscores the spirit of collaboration that drives the nation’s achievement in the sector.