The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a consortium of foreign firms led by the MultiDollar group and Promethee, a French geospatial startup providing end-to-end space sovereignty solutions, at the NASRDA’s Headquarters, Abuja. 

The Director General of NASRDA, Dr Halilu Ahmad Shaba, stated that one of the primary goals of the Space Agency in its 25 years roadmap is to support and promote the development of long-lasting homemade satellites and drones to satisfy the needs of Nigerians.

Senator Adeleke Mamora, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, confirmed the collaborative efforts of the Ministry, NASRDA and private organisations to ensure critical and result-oriented efforts foster the development of homemade satellites and drones for the development of the country. In addition, he emphasised the importance of collectively advancing government policies and creating an enabling environment for private businesses to thrive and efficiently provide quality services for the people. 

Furthermore, the Minister highlighted the significance of the MoU and the processes involved. According to Senator Adeleke Mamora, the MoU implementation is designed to address localised challenges in the country effectively. However, while the Minister lauded the pace of the undertaking, he urged the partners to ensure the quality of the proposed satellites and drones are maintained and not sacrificed on the altar of speed by providing long-term effective and efficient services for the people.

Nonetheless, the Minister guaranteed the support of the Ministry in ensuring the achievement of the MoU goals. In addition, he expressed his wish to be present at the inauguration of the projects before the end of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. 

In addition, Dr Francis Chizea, the Director of the Policy Planning and Research Department of NASRDA, who represented the Director of NASRDA, commented on the strategic steps the MoU will promote in the actualisation of the Nigerian space program as well as advance research capabilities and experiences.

Furthermore, he stated that the development of satellites and drones is in accordance with Nigeria’s space policy to boost the acceptance of home-based experts and the growth of localised components. Subsequently, he applauded the immersing efforts of the Minister in giving a ministerial executive order that facilitated the signing of the MoU and the collaborative partnerships between the organisations. To this end, Dr Francis Chizea pledged the NASRDA’s commitment to contribute to the objectives of the implementation.

Mr Joseph Waya, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Multidollar Group, Local Content Partner and the Leader of the consortium of firms, also lauded the commitment of the Minister to facilitate and formalise the necessary steps to nurture the collaborative partnership with NASRDA. According to the CEO, the aim of the MoU is motivated towards establishing an African drone Academy. The Academy will be a citadel of learning, critical to satellite manufacturing, and contribute to the country’s development of commerce, security, agriculture and other sectors. 

In addition, Mr Joseph Waya reinstated the Minister’s statements on the timeframe of the projects and the objectives of the MoU.