The Federal Government on Tuesday said that space technology and exploration was a necessity for national growth and security that could be used to address global challenges.
By Ijeoma Olorunfemi
Dr Felix Ale, Director, Media and Corporate Communications, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) said this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Abuja on Wednesday.
Ale said that the President said this during his Brazil state visit at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Nigeria and Brazil.
The signing of the (MOU) which was witnessed by the Brazilian President,Luiz Lula da Silva was done by Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology and Mrs Luciana Santos, Brazil’s Science Minister.
Nnaji in his remarks before the signing of the MoU noted that space technology was no longer a luxury but a necessity for national prosperity and security.
He noted that government leaders and industry experts underscored the strategic role of space technology in addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, disaster management and digital transformation.
”The MoU is a statement of shared vision with space technology offering Africa and Latin America a powerful tool to leapfrog into the future economy.
“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria is committed to building an ecosystem of innovation, leveraging satellites, rocketry, and data analytics to drive inclusive growth and prosperity,” he said.
The minister also said that the agreement was expected to pave way for joint satellite missions for agriculture, climate monitoring and national security, alongside cooperation in space vehicle engineering, capacity building and ensure technology transfer.
He added that Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications would be deployed for forest conservation in the Amazon and Nigeria, Cameroon basins, while Earth observation systems would strengthen resilience against natural disasters and food insecurity.
”Stakeholders believe this cooperation will create unprecedented opportunities for researchers, entrepreneurs, investors and youth in both countries, while reinforcing global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
”The signing of the MOU marks a new era in Nigeria Brazil relations, demonstrating that space science and technology are not just about exploration, but about building economies, empowering people, enhancing security, and safeguarding the planet,” Nnaji said.
Similarly, Santos highlighted Brazil’s global leadership in satellite development and bio economy applications, affirming that collaboration with Nigeria would not only strengthen bilateral ties but also deliver solutions with planetary relevance.
President Lula da Silva, on his part described the partnership as a bridge of innovation and solidarity between two great nations of the Global South. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)