Space Projects: Engineers Urge FG To Allocate Special Fund For Programmes

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) on Monday urged the Federal Government to set up special intervention fund for space projects.

The NSE President, Mr Otis Anyeaji, made the call when he visited the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu in Abuja.

Anyeaji, who was represented by the NSE Vice President, Mr Tasiu Wudil, said that the fund would fast track the advancement of space technology in the country.

“The critical infrastructures for the indigenisation of space technology in Nigeria are still lacking.

“The provision of Design Centre and Assembly, Integration and Test Centre (DC/AIT), which are at the heart of space programme should be a priority of the government.

“This will help Nigerian engineers and scientists that are trained for this purpose to fully engaged and domesticate the technology,” he said.

Anyeaji observed that Nigeria needed more communication satellites to support the existing Nigcomsat-1R.

According to him, the NSE is in support of the call for Nigcosat-2 and Nigcosat-3.

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“We solicit for your support in presenting this need to the Federal Executive Council for its approval.

“We wish to assure you of our support and commitment to ensure space technology is fully exploited in Nigeria by Nigerians.”

Responding, Onu said that the Federal Government would intensify effort in promoting space technology due to its numerous benefits.

“The launch of five satellites into appropriate orbits for the government of Nigeria is a significant government policy that has acted as a catalyst for sustainable development

“These satellites are critical national infrastructure that will aid national development in every area of our lives, including, education, healthcare, national security, agriculture, ICT among others,” he said.

Dr Onu said that the ministry would continue to promote research and innovation in space technology.

“Space controls the world because we all know that space technology is very important in all aspects of national life.

“No nation that really wants to be a great nation can survive without paying attention to space technology, “ he said.