NASRDA Invites Dangote, Elumelu, Others To Invest In Space Technology

Business tycoons Tony Elumelu and Aliko Dangote, among others, were invited to invest in the nation's space science and technology industry on Monday by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA).

Dr Felix Alle, the agency's head of media and corporate communications, stated that public-private partnerships (PPP) will accelerate space development during an interview in Abuja.

Alle said that the present Space Agency leadership, led by Halilu Shaba, is focused on enlisting the private sector to ensure that Nigerians benefited from space research and technology.

The official emphasised that large businessmen from around the world, including Richard Branson and Elon Musk, are investing in the space economy since there were so many chances for growth.

He disclosed that the agency had planned an internal conference and exhibition on the space economy for early 2023 as a result of the goal to increase PPP in the space sector.

“We believe that when we have this PPP, the impact of space technology will be adequately felt by the larger society.

“We are not relenting and NASRDA want Nigerians to be part of the space economy and the conference will showcase windows of opportunities available in the space sector.

“Those opportunities will be highlighted to members of the public and prospective investors so they can key into it because a lot of our people are still ignorant of opportunities in this area.

“We want the likes of Aliko Dangote, Elumelu and big businesses, and entrepreneurs to show interest in the area of the space sector.’’

Alle advised businesspeople to view the industry as a very significant area in which they could make investments and further the socioeconomic advancement of the nation.

He added: “They can embark on so many projects, establish companies and boost their financial strength as well as create job opportunities for our youths.’’

Alle stated that the conference would bring together important stakeholders from all over the world and would be hosted in partnership with the Abuja Chamber of Commerce.

In addition, he stated that the organisation was adding to its existing partnerships by growing its local and international ones.

"We are doing all these to contribute to the socio-economic development of our country because everything we do today has space connotation.”

Alle also brought up the recent concession of some of the agency's projects to the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr Adeleke Mamora, by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).

Alle named the projects, which have the potential to generate N48 billion during the course of their concession, as the Satellite Broadband Project, the Planetarium, and the Space Museum.

“The Director-General of ICRC, Joe Ohiani, told the Minister then that the projects can generate about N48billion and create like 10,000 jobs if implemented.

“It was a way of inviting PPP and the Memorandum to this effect is before the Federal Executive Council and as soon as this is approved, we will hit the ground running,’’ Alle said.