By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has called on the media to prioritise science and technology reporting.

The agency said in Abuja on Wednesday that raising public awareness on science research and innovation would contribute to  accelerated national economic development.

Prof Matthew Adepoju, Director-General of NASRDA made the call at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Chapel, Press Week.

The theme of the week was “Harnessing Nigeria’s Economic Potential for Greater Prosperity.”

Represented by Dr Felix Ale, Director of Media and Corporate Communications, Adepoju spoke on “Research, Innovation and Media Partnership for a Prosperous Nigeria.”

Adepoju said effective science reporting was critical to translating research findings and technological innovations into practical solutions for agriculture, security, job creation and other sectors of the economy.

“Science advances more effectively when society understands and supports it. This is where the media becomes indispensable.

“The media serves as a bridge between scientific institutions and the public. Journalists transform complex scientific concepts into understandable narratives that inspire citizens, policymakers, investors, and future innovators. 

“For this reason, NASRDA deeply values its relationship with the Nigerian media.

“Organisations such as the News Agency of Nigeria have consistently contributed to public awareness of national development issues,” he said.

He said media reach, credibility, and professionalism make them strategic partners in promoting science communication.

The Director-General said space research was no longer a luxury reserved for developed countries but an essential tool for economic transformation, job creation, national security and improved public services.

“The prosperity of nations in the 21st century is increasingly determined not by the abundance of natural resources beneath the soil, but by the quality of knowledge, innovation and technology developed above it,” he said.

He explained that space technology supported several sectors of the economy, including agriculture, telecommunications, transportation, healthcare, environmental management, urban planning and security.

According to him, satellite applications enable farmers and agricultural institutions to monitor crop health, assess soil conditions, predict weather patterns and identify pest infestations.

He added that satellite systems also provided intelligence for border surveillance, maritime security, counterterrorism operations and emergency response.

“Investment in space research is an investment in economic productivity,” he said.

He said space technology also offered employment opportunities for engineers, software developers, satellite technicians, data analysts, surveyors, artificial intelligence specialists, geospatial experts and entrepreneurs.

According to him, expanding Nigeria’s space ecosystem could create direct and indirect jobs while providing young people with opportunities in emerging fields.

He said the fields included robotics, satellite technology, data analytics and advanced communications.

Adepoju also said NASRDA had continued to implement Nigeria’s National Space Policy through research, satellite programmes, remote-sensing applications, geospatial intelligence, environmental monitoring and capacity-building initiatives.

He said the agency’s activities also supported the development of indigenous scientific and technological capacity and the training of young scientists, engineers and innovators.

Adepoju said approvals had been granted for additional satellite missions to improve Earth observation, communications, environmental monitoring and national security.

“Under this administration, there has been renewed attention to strengthening Nigeria’s science and technology institutions and harnessing technological innovation as a catalyst for prosperity.

“Particularly noteworthy is the administration’s approval for the development and launch of additional satellites to strengthen Nigeria’s space capabilities. 

“NASRDA has stated that presidential and Federal Executive Council approvals support new satellite missions designed to enhance Earth observation, communications, environmental monitoring, and national security capabilities.

“These approvals include additional optical satellites and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite systems, which can provide imagery through cloud cover and at night,” he said.

The D-G emphasised the need for sustained investment in science education, research institutions, innovation hubs, technology incubation centres, digital infrastructure and space-science programmes.

He said a stronger scientific culture would encourage young Nigerians to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields and develop solutions to local and global challenges.

“A scientifically enlightened society is better positioned to innovate, compete and prosper,” he said.

He urged NASRDA, NAN, NUJ and other media organisations to strengthen their partnership in promoting science communication, showcasing Nigerian scientific achievements and encouraging private-sector investment in innovation.

He added that the agency remained committed to expanding research, strengthening innovation and translating Nigeria’s space ambitions into tangible socioeconomic benefits for citizens.

“The future prosperity of Nigeria will depend increasingly on our ability to harness knowledge, research, innovation and technology,” he said.(NAN)

Edited by Uche Anunne