By Dele Ogbodo
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, has said Federal Government is finalising a collaborative approach through its space agency, the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) with the World Bank, the United Nations (Office for Outer Space), European Space Agency, the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy and the African Development Bank (AfDB) to explore space economy and its immense resources for the socio-economic development of Nigeria.
The Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations of the Ministry, Mr. Atuora Obed, quoted the Minister as expressing confidence that the multilateral synergy between the different organizations will achieve its set objectives.
The Minister stated this when the local Organizing Committee on World Space Economy Conference led by Osi Imomoh, paid him a courtesy visit recently in Abuja.
Nnaji, assured the committee of the Ministry’s preparedness to work assiduously with it in order to achieve greater heights as well as ensure a successful conference. The conference is slated for 16th-20th October, 2023.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee said the conference is for the execution of innovations which will attract inventors and innovators to the country thereby making Nigeria a tourist hub.
He noted that the objective of the conference is for scientist in the sectors that are critically reliant on space-based services and inventors to brain storm space economy practice and applications in Africa.
He further said that the conference will provide an avenue for innovators start-up and inventors within and outside an opening for expanded African involvement and partnership in global space economy.