The Federal Government of Nigeria is on the brink of a historic achievement: sending its first citizen into space.
This announcement was made by Dr. Mathew Adepoju, the Director General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), during a press conference held in Abuja on Wednesday.
This groundbreaking initiative stems from a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NASRDA and the Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA).
Dr. Adepoju highlighted the significance of this partnership, stating, “This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s 25th anniversary of space exploration and opens new opportunities for scientific research and technological advancement.”
The MoU, signed officially in Abuja on Monday, paves the way for Nigeria to send its first astronaut to the moon.
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This endeavor is facilitated by SERA, a Brazilian company, which aims to democratize space exploration by allowing Nigerians from all professional backgrounds to compete for the chance to represent their country in this global venture.
The selected candidate will have the opportunity to become the first African astronaut to set foot on the moon without bearing the approximately $10,000 cost, thanks to the sponsorship provided by SERA.
During the signing ceremony, Chief Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, expressed his enthusiasm for the project.
He emphasized that this initiative aligns perfectly with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration, which seeks to achieve the objectives outlined in the 25-year roadmap approved in 2005 for the National Space Policy Program.
Originally projected to send Nigeria’s first human space flight by 2018, this goal is now set to be realized six years later than planned.
Chief Nnaji remarked, “This occasion could not have come at a better time. Human space flight has been a key objective for Nigeria, and the approval of the National Space Policy and Program (NSPP) by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in 2001 underscores our commitment to this goal.”
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The collaboration between Nigeria and SERA not only marks a monumental step in the nation’s space exploration journey but also symbolizes a broader vision of technological advancement and international cooperation.
By making space exploration accessible to all Nigerians, this initiative promises to inspire a new generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers, propelling the country towards a future rich in innovation and discovery.
Nigeria my country
Who will go