The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) is set to partner with a French firm, Promethee, in exploring ways of developing space technology for national development in Nigeria.
Speaking when he received a delegation from Promethee led by its president, Mr. Oliver Piespz in his office in Abuja, the director-general, NASRDA, Dr. Halilu Shaba, stressed the need for sustained collaboration with the private sector on the drive towards the realization of the mandate of the agency for socio-economic development.
Shaba appreciated the delegation for its timely visit and assured it of NASRDA’s technical and professional capabilities, to contribute its quota to the successful proposed partnership, in line with the stipulated mandate without any form of compromise.
He stated that the agency, despite its challenges, is legitimately empowered to provide the needed logistics to lead other relevant agencies in Africa in providing improved surveillance in the region for a better derivation of economic benefits for the growth and development of the African continent.
The NASRDA boss assured the delegation of the agency’s support in collaborating with them on mutual interests valuable to both parties, as they continue to adopt the principles of division of labour and effective allocation of responsibilities based on their various fields of specialisation.
Earlier, Piespz, in his remarks appreciated Shaba for his warm reception to his delegation and congratulated him on his appointment as the substantive leader of the space agency.
He highlighted the intention of Promethee to launch a constellation of nano-satellites in collaboration with the agency towards the successful implementation of Nigeria’s space agenda.
According to him, the collaboration will bring about mutual results that will boost cybersecurity in both countries.
He said Promthee – a specialist in the development of space systems – looks forward to building a solid relationship with the Nigerian agency and emphasised that the organisation will always be at the disposal of the agency for effective collaboration in space development.
