NASDA: FEC okays N3.5bn for space development in Nigeria

By Adeleye Kunle

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo on Wednesday, approved N3.5billion for the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) and other partners to strengthen space technology in the country.

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Senator Adeleke Mamora explained that the approval is meant to secure partnership on the upgrade, equipping, operation and marketing of the Space Museum, and Planetarium.

He said the buildings to house the museum has been in place since 2018, but paucity had stalled the project.

According to the minister, when the project comes on stream fully, it has the prospect of providing jobs for over 200 people as well as learning experience in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Mamora also noted that President Muhammadu Buhari at the National Space Council meeting, which he chaired had directed the Director General to explore and exploit collaboration with the private sector.

“According to him: An unsolicited proposal came from a Nigerian company leading to the necessary processes in terms of outline business case and full business case, ensuring compliance with all the requirements needed to present the memo before the Council, which we did this morning. Fortunately, the memo was approved. Of course, the cost of the project is about N3.5 billion and it’s at no cost, and I mean, no cost to government. The project will last for about 15 years, thereafter, it reverts to the federal government. The buildings that we are referring to are located at the NASDA premises here in Abuja.”