FG Signs MoU with US-based Space Agency, announces plan to send first citizen to space

The Federal government of Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with an American-based Space Exploration and Research Agency, SERA, to send its first citizen into space.

The Director General of the National Space Research and Development Agency, NASRDA, Mathew Adepoju, made this known at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday.

He said that the government had signed the Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with the Space Exploration and Research Agency, SERA, to facilitate the ambitious venture.

In his speech, he hinted that “This collaboration, which is coming to the country, marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s 25th anniversary of Space Exploration journey and opens new opportunities for scientific research and technological advancement.”

Recall that NASRDA had bemoaned the lack of patronage for homegrown technology to fight maritime insecurity.

The agency said that 90 per cent of security challenges facing the maritime sector in the country can be tackled by Geo-Stationary Satellite.

Minister of innovation, science, and technology, Uche Nnaji said the collaboration with US-based Space Agency is important to shaping the course of Nigeria’s space programme.

The minister added that the collaboration is a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to advancing its capabilities in space exploration, stressing that the public-private partnership (PPP) with SERA would inspire a new generation of scientists and engineers.

Co-founder of SERA, Joshua Skurla expressed his gratitude to NASRDA, affirming that Nigeria has a long history of scientific and technological innovation.

“Until now, space has been an exclusive domain, with over 80% of all astronauts to date coming from just three countries,” Skurla said.

“Nigeria has a rich history of scientific and technological innovation, and we are honoured to partner with NASRDA to extend this legacy into space and create new opportunities for Nigerian space explorers.”