The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) is set to partner the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) in commercialization of products of research findings on space technology products.
The NASRDA director-general, Dr. Halilu Shaba made this known when he received a delegation from the chamber led by its director-general, Ms. Victoria Akai at the space agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
Shaba described space science and technology as the most strategic tool in driving Nigeria’s economy, and all-round technology-driven solutions for the sustainable development of the nation.
While stressing the need for the commencement of the partnership by setting up a working committee to that effect, Shaba expressed optimism that the commercialization of space products would serve as a catalyst for economic development as well as boost government’s revenue.
According to him, the agency as a principal stakeholder in the field of space science and technology, seeks to collaborate with relevant organizations such as the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, for the mutual benefit of both parties and the rapid and effective growth of the Nigerian economy.
The NASRDA boss advocated the effective allocation of responsibilities based on skills and expertise of both parties as the space agency rolls out its innovative items for onward commercialization.
Shaba however emphasized that dearth of funds had continued to be the bane of the Nigerian space programme as the space enterprise is a capital-intensive programme that required funding so as to maximize the capabilities of the space technology.
He therefore expressed hope that with the partnership between both organizations the chamber would provide a platform for investors both locally and internationally to invest in the space agency as the space industry could boast of returns on investment in trillions.
Earlier in her remarks, Akai acknowledged the proactive effort of the space agency in reaching out for partnership with their organization and pledged their commitment towards actualizing the desired objectives.
Akai expressed satisfaction at the level of expertise and enterprise in the space agency and noted that the myriad of challenges faced by the nation, especially the menace of insecurity, has their solutions embedded in the products and activities that NASRDA has to offer.
She emphasized the aptness of the collaboration and stated that the products from the space agency are relevant to various critical sectors of the Nigerian economy like medicine, security and telecommunication, among others.
A statement by NASRDA’s head of media and corporate communications, Dr. Felix Ale, said Akai lauded the innovations of the space agency and proposed an expo to help advertise the plethora of inventions produced by NASRDA.
She therefore emphasized that the partnership should not be put on the shelf, but should have a time frame, with short term, medium term and long-term goals.
