Uche Nnaji, minister of innovation, science and technology, says the federal executive council (FEC) has approved the launch of four satellites to enhance earth observation and combat insecurity in Nigeria.
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday at the 22nd national council on innovation, science and technology (NCIST), Nnaji said the approval include three earth observation satellites and one radar aperture satellite.
“The renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu is awakened to the problems of Nigeria, and they are being addressed,” he said.
The minister stressed the potential of the search satellite to provide continuous imaging capabilities, which would be invaluable for military operations in areas like the Sambisa forest.
Advertisement
Nnaji also spoke about the national science, technology and innovation policy, noting that an inter-ministerial committee is reviewing it and working on establishing a national research and innovation fund.
“As a country, we can no longer afford to ignore the widening gap between research and real-world impact,” he said.
He called for a new era where research is directly linked to industry, students see innovation as a career path, and inventions reach the market.
Advertisement
Esuabana Nko-Asanye, permanent secretary of the ministry, described the meeting as a call to action for creating a dynamic ecosystem where all sectors collaborate to build a prosperous Nigeria.
She noted that 109 memoranda were presented, reflecting diverse inputs from various sectors, focusing on commercialising indigenous research, enhancing funding mechanisms, and building capacity in emerging technologies.
