By Ijeoma Ndubisi
Abuja – Prof. Turner Isoun, the former Minister of Science and Technology on Monday in Abuja commended the Federal Government on directives to agencies to patronise the country’s indigenous satellite NIGcomSat-1R.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Federal Government recently issued `Order 2’ compelling its ministries, agencies and corporate bodies in the country to patronise Nigerian satellites.
Isoun told newsmen in Abuja that the country had satellites in the orbit performing observatory and communication functions.
According to him, the space sector of the country is performing well and has been able to create jobs.
He also said that patronage of local satellites would reduce cost of importation.
“Nigeria presently has satellites in orbit performing both observatory and communication functions yet government agencies spend millions of dollars every year on the purchase of satellite imageries and internet data from other satellites across the world.
“The directive by government is a clear testimony that the investment in the satellite sector is not a waste.
“The sector is presently positioned to advance government efforts to create wealth and jobs for the teeming youth population.
“It is noteworthy that government investment in the space sector in the last few years has started paying off.
“The sector is now positioned to create wealth and jobs, and be in the first line of renewable resources of innovation,” he said.
Isoun, however, urged government not to relent on its functions, adding that it should continue to show leadership by monitoring and ensuring strict compliance with the implementation of the directive.
The former minister also said that the satellite industry must be linked to other sectors of the economy, especially agriculture, transportation and banking.
According to him, it will be necessary to promote technological innovation from the institutions to stand a chance of global competitions.
“Any nation averse to technology and innovation cannot compete globally.
“Nigerian universities must key into the present development, especially in the space sector, they must play a significant role in efforts to create wealth and jobs for the population,” he said.
He, however, called on the government to step up actions on the country’s Nuclear Programme which was established to generate more than1000 mega watts of electricity.
“We already have in place facilities such as the gamma irradiation that will add value to agricultural produce, especially those for export,” Isoun said. (NAN)