By Hillary Asemota
The Federal Government has said that it will continue to support the privatization and commercialization of critical sectors that pose huge financial burden to it so as to boost the socio- economic, growth and development of the nation.
The Minister of Science Technology, and Innovation, Mr. Adeleke Mamora said this today (Monday) during the official presentation of the Full Business Case (FBC) certificates for the Public Private Partnership (PPP) in his office, in Abuja.
The two projects to be concessioned according to Mamora are: The National Space Research Development Agency (NASRDA) are: the Planetarium and Broadband facility with specialized theatre in which representations of the solar system galaxy and universe can be projected.
According to the Minister, with satellite, we can gather intelligent information on tackling some of the problems retarding the growth and progress of Nigeria.
Earlier, the Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr. Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh, said that Federal Government will not relent in commercialization of innovation, and assured the ministry’s unflinching support to the projects.
The Director General (DG) National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) Dr.Halilu Shaba, said that the Planetarium and Museum building were commissioned in April 2018 with the ultimate objective of providing education and entertainment services to Nigeria about space science and technology. This he noted is aimed at generating revenue for the country.
He emphasized that the two projects when operationalized will contribute significantly to knowledge about space and astronomy of those who shall visit the planetarium and museum which is a major policy direction of the Federal Government.
The Director General, Infrastructure, Concession Regulatory Commission,(ICRC) Dr. Joe Ohiani said that the two projects will create about 10,000 direct and indirect jobs, enhance tourism, boost capacity and create great innovation in the country.
He said that the broadband project will generate about N28 billion, and the planetarium/museum project will also create N20 billion adding that the two projects will attract foreign investors to the country.