The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA) from Delaware, USA, have signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on human space flight missions. The MOU was signed today in Abuja, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s space exploration endeavors.
The agreement, made between the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) and SERA, focuses on advancing human space flight capabilities. This partnership aims to develop the critical technologies and infrastructure required for human missions beyond Earth and will see a Nigerian astronaut land in space for the first time.
The signing ceremony was supervised by the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji. He underscored the importance of this partnership for Nigeria’s burgeoning space program, emphasizing its transformative potential.
In his address, Minister Nnaji highlighted that the public-private partnership with SERA aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He noted that this collaboration will not only accelerate Nigeria’s technological advancements but also inspire a new generation of scientists and engineers. “This is a significant step forward in Nigeria’s ambition to become a key player in global space exploration,” Nnaji stated.
The MOU outlines cooperation in various aspects of space technology, research, and development. NASRDA and SERA will work together on mission planning, astronaut training, and creating the infrastructure necessary for a sustained human presence in space.
Dr. Mathew Adepoju, Director General of NASRDA, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, calling it a historic moment for NASRDA and Nigeria. He added that SERA’s expertise combined with NASRDA’s dedication will yield remarkable milestones in human space exploration both within the continent and beyond.
This collaboration marks a significant advancement in Nigeria’s space capabilities and sets the stage for future achievements in space exploration, demonstrating Nigeria’s growing role in the global space community.