Nigeria to Launch First Astronaut before 2030, Says Tech Ministe
The Minister of Science and Technology, Mr.
Ogbonnaya Onu, today expressed optimism that Nigeria would launch its first
astronaut in space before 2030.
According to him, the passage of the budget will
accelerate work on the country’s space programme, adding that the importance of
space technology to a country’s development cannot be overemphasised.
The minister who made the disclosure while playing
host to the delegation from the Defence Space Agency, led by its Chief of
Defence for Space (CDS), AVM Tommy Victor Udoh, in Abuja, said the
implementation for the actualisation of the country's space astronaut programme
has therefore commenced.
On the launch of Nigeria's astronaut in 14 years'
time, Onu said: "On or before 2030, we can do it with the programme and
infrastructure that we have. Space technology is very important to protect our
national interest as we already have satellite in space.
"All the things that is needed in the budget
that has just being passed, and from this year, we will commence the
implementation of the programme that we have, and because of the importance of
space to the wellbeing of Nigeria, we will work very hard to launch a Nigerian
astronaut before 2030."
He said Nigeria has the capability to successfully
carry out space programmes, adding that the NIGCOMSAT-1 programme, which was
the country’s first satellite, was designed and assembled by Nigerians though
launched with the assistance of other countries.
"We have developed the capacity to design, so
once assembled, the last stage is the capacity to launch, and we believe very
strongly that with the support of President Muhammadu Buhari, we will utilise
whatever limited resources that we have in a very efficient manner to make sure
that we make the nation proud," he said.
Onu said the ministry would offer all the needed
support to the military in making sure that they actualise their statutory
functions and responsibilities to the country.
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