President Bola Tinubu has underscored the need for improved funding to boost prospects for the national space programme.
Tinubu specifically tasked the National Assembly with funding priority, stressing that it will ensure the nation plays a leading role in the fourth industrial revolution.
The President gave the charge on Monday at the celebration of Nigeria’s 25 years in Space and Technology, organised by the National Space Research and Development Agency, at the Banquet hall of the State House, Abuja.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, called for strengthening the act establishing the National Space Research and Development Agency to help the Nigerian space ecosystem become vibrant in its engagements, locally and internationally.
Tinubu also called for efforts to ensure the integration and mainstreaming of the private sector into the heart of Nigeria’s space program to enable the country to maximise opportunities in the coming years for national development.
“Great effort should be made to ensure that the private sector is mainstreamed into the heart of our space program for us to do more in the coming years for our national development.
“I am glad that we have a good number of the legislature here to celebrate this milestone together. I therefore called upon our legislatures to prioritise the funding for our space programme to ensure we play a leading role in this fourth (4th) industrial revolution. There is also a need to strengthen the Act that established NASRDA to help the Nigerian space ecosystem to be more vibrant in its engagements, locally and internationally.
“Similarly, the sector will require improved budgetary support to be able to accomplish its programmes, whose outcomes can bring massive socioeconomic dividends to Nigeria and her citizens. This will also solidify Nigeria’s standing as a leading space-faring country in Africa and further boost her image to competitively attract foreign direct investment because of our locational advantage for cheaper launching services.
President Tinubu assured NASDRA and all stakeholders of his support in meeting future challenges and exploring better dividends of science and technology for Nigeria’s greatness.
He expressed hope in the nation’s space ecosystem, assuring that the years ahead will see Nigeria maintain her leading position in Africa and as well engage more with other space-faring nations.
Improved funding for National Space Programme fundamental to economic wellbeing – Tinubu to NASS