Chief Uche Nnaji, minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, has said that space, science, and technology is crucial to achieving the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Nnaji stated this during his maiden visit and facility tour of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) in Abuja.
The minister said the space agency has a strategic role in harnessing space, science and technology for national development and technological advancement.
According to him, the giant strides achieved by the space agency resonated both in the country and in the diaspora and positioned the country as a key player in space exploration and research.
He further stated that his visit to the space agency was to ensure he got information that would be critical in decision-making towards the attainment of his set objectives.
The minister commended the leadership of the agency for the successes recorded and the proactive efforts towards sourcing alternative funding through the commercialization of research products and public-private partnerships.
Earlier, Dr. Halilu Shaba, director-general of NASRDA, appreciated the minister, saying the visit is a testament to the importance placed on the strategic role of science, innovation and technology in shaping the future.
Dr. Shaba acknowledged the minister’s visionary leadership style, adding that NASRDA will maximise his wealth of expertise and passion to advance Nigeria’s space programmes.
He, however, assured that the agency would consistently strive to push the boundaries of space exploration and satellite technology for the betterment of the nation.
