Space technology key to Nigeria’s security, prosperity – FG

The Federal Government has described space technology as vital to Nigeria’s growth, security, and response to global challenges.

The Director of Media and Corporate Communications at the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Felix Ale, said President Bola Tinubu made the remarks during his state visit to Brazil, where Nigeria signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the South American country on space science and technology.

The agreement was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, and Brazil’s Science Minister, Luciana Santos, and witnessed by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Nnaji stressed that space technology is now a necessity for national prosperity and security, highlighting its role in climate change mitigation, food security, disaster management, and digital transformation. He said the MoU represents a shared vision between Africa and Latin America to harness technology for economic advancement.

Under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria plans to expand work in satellites, rocketry, and data analytics to drive inclusive growth. The pact will support joint satellite missions in agriculture, climate monitoring, and national security, alongside cooperation in vehicle engineering, capacity building, and technology transfer.

Artificial Intelligence will also be deployed for forest conservation in the Amazon and the Nigeria-Cameroon basins, while Earth observation systems will strengthen resilience against disasters and food crises.

Santos said the partnership would create globally relevant solutions, while Lula da Silva described it as “a bridge of innovation and solidarity between two nations of the Global South.”