The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji has described the NIGCOMSAT Accelerator programme as a testament to Nigeria’s collective resolve to harness the potential of space technology and the broader innovation ecosystem.
Nnaji made this statement during the NIGCOMSAT Accelerator Demo Day, themed “Beyond the Horizon: Shaping Nigeria’s Space Future,” organised by NIGCOMSAT and its partners as part of the Nigerian Satellite Week activities in Abuja.
He emphasised that the demo day celebrates not only the achievements of these startups but also the power of collaboration and entrepreneurship in driving Nigeria’s future.
“The event’s theme resonates deeply with the objectives of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology,” Nnaji remarked. “It reflects the ambition at the heart of our policies to propel Nigeria forward as a leader in science, technology, and space innovation. This ambition extends beyond rhetoric; it aims to create new industries, empower our youth and ensure Nigeria’s meaningful contribution to the global technology economy while growing our space economy.”
Represented by the director-general of the National Agency for Space Research and Development, Dr. Matthew Adepoju, Nnaji asserted that the startups are not merely building products; they are creating a future that is more inclusive, sustainable and competitive.
He added, “The Accelerator Programme represents a vital step in bridging the gap between innovation and industry, ensuring that the brilliant ideas we generate translate into real-world solutions. As government leaders, our role is to create an enabling environment that fosters collaboration between the public and private sectors, entrepreneurs and investors and local talent and global partners.
“Through the NIGCOMSAT Accelerator, we are opening doors for startups to gain market access, investment opportunities and critical policy support. It is my hope that these startups will leverage this platform not just to attract investment but to network, learn and scale their solutions to global markets,” he stated.
The minister assured attendees that the ministry would continue to support initiatives like this, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of creating jobs, empowering communities and positioning Nigeria as a global innovation hub. Nnaji further expressed the government’s commitment to making innovation a pillar of national development, noting that events like the Accelerator Demo Day serve as a launchpad for future successes. “Together, let us continue to push boundaries, forge partnerships, and shape Nigeria’s space future,” he concluded.
In her welcome address, managing director of NIGCOMSAT, Mrs. Jane Egerton-Idehen stated that the demo day aims to showcase over nine months of intensive work by the startups. She expressed pride in their efforts to deploy space technology to address real-time societal challenges, underscoring the importance of utilising space technology for national development.
In his keynote address, director-general of SMEDAN, Charles Odii praised the startups for developing innovative and bankable products. He noted that the showcased products have the potential to evolve from small to medium and large-scale businesses, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to collaborating with the startups to upscale their innovations.
