The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken a significant step towards sending its first citizen into space by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the U.S. firm, Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA).
The agreement, signed on Wednesday in Abuja, was facilitated by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) on behalf of the Federal Government.
Dr Matthew Adepoju, Director-General of NASRDA, highlighted the importance of this milestone, which aligns with the agency’s mandate to promote human space flight as part of the National Space Policy and Programme.
He stated, “The Human Space Flight programme is one of the cardinal objectives of the National Space Policy and Programme.
“It was with this in mind that we established the Department of Physical and Life Sciences about three years ago to forge this mandate.
“This is also coming as one of our deep space explorations because there are many spinoffs that will come from the collaboration and opportunities opened for Nigerians.”
Dr. Adepoju affirmed the agency’s commitment to ensuring that a Nigerian is sent to space, marking a historic achievement for the country.
Mr Sam Hutchison, Co-founder of SERA, elaborated on the democratic and inclusive nature of the selection process for the space flight programme.
“The process of application would be open to anybody in Nigeria who is up to 18 years of age; there are no other qualifications required.
“You will be able to sign up and then encourage others to vote for you.
“As part of a democratic process, the Nigerian people will select four potential astronaut candidates before a final selection process.
“The important thing to understand is that anybody can apply; you don’t have to be a scientist, mathematician, or engineer.”
Hutchison emphasised that this initiative aims to democratise space access and inspire ordinary Nigerians to become the country’s first astronauts.
The selection process will be managed via the SERA platform, ensuring transparency and wide participation.
He noted Nigeria’s strong interest in future space exploration as a key factor in its selection for this programme, adding, “The programme is to raise awareness among young people in Nigeria, showing them that if they pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), they can go to space.
“There are billions of dollars being invested in the commercial development of in-space activities, and Nigeria should be part of it.”
Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, stressed the historical significance of the agreement.
He mentioned that human space flight is a crucial objective within Nigeria’s National Space Policy and Programme (NSPP), approved by the Federal Executive Council in 2001.
“According to the 25-year roadmap approved in 2005 for the implementation of the NSPP, our first human space flight was scheduled for 2018.
“This means we are about six years behind schedule,” Nnaji noted.
He commended the signing of the MoU as a testament to the ministry’s diligent efforts over the past few months.
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