The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), an agency under the Ministry of Innovation Science and Technology, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA) based in the United States to develop human space flight. This move is predicated on the efforts to democratise space exploration and exploitation for all nations of the world and to raise awareness among young Nigerians about the billions of dollars being invested in the commercial development of space activities, which the country should be part of. It also involves efforts to select and send astronauts from Nigeria into outer space which is in line with the United Nations initiative to boost “space era for mankind, reaffirming the important contribution of space science and technology in achieving sustainable development goals and increasing the well-being of states and peoples.
” Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Uche Nnaji in his remarks during the event in Abuja on Wednesday, said human space flight has been key to the objective of the National Space Policy Programme(NSPP) approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in 2001. He said the signing of the agreement is “a testament to our rigorous efforts over the past months,” adding that it conforms with the Renewed Hope agenda of the President Bola Tinubu to invest in Nigeria’s space programme for the benefit of Nigeria. The director general of NASRDA Dr.
Matthew Adepoju .