Why Nigerian Business Sector should take interest in space economy – ACCI

By Etuka Sunday

Nigerian Private Sector should take serious interest in space sector economy and associated business value3 chain, the President Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry  (ACCI), Dr. Al-Mujtaba Abubakar and the Director of Nigeria Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Halilu Ahmad Shaba have canvassed.

Speaking at an interactive session at the ACCI office in Abuja yesterday, the ACCI President canvassed a more robust relationship between the space agency and the Organised Private Sector, affirming that, “we need to explore opportunities in the space economy.”

“We are aware that the space economy is huge with a lot of opportunities. The value chain is equally wide. This is the space age. The private sector is the emerging platform as we are witnessing in developed part of the world. So the chamber movement and the space agency must collaborate to sensitive businesses and explore areas of partnership’, the ACCI President said.”

In the presentation of the space agency, the Director General NASRDA, Dr. Halilu said, the business side of space has not been explored enough by the Nigerian private sector, calling for partnership locally that will further generate foreign direct investment.

According to the DG, NASRDA has developed several business packages which will be shared with the business community, describing the proposed partnerships with the ACCI as a game changer.

The Vice President ICT, Mr. Osi Imomoh said ACCI recognized NASRDA as a leader in the technology space in Nigeria adding that we can provide the business side in a mutually agreeable cooperation. “We also hope to tap on your expertise to open up and adopt new technologies for our members and extending it to all sectors.”

The Vice President, Mine Dr. Johnson Anene who was also in attendance said the main thing is, the Chamber is here to promote business interest of members and whatever will be of business opportunities, “we will promote your coming by introducing this to our members.”

Also the Vice President, Intergovernmental and External Relation Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong who lauded the efforts of the DG NASRDA said, “it seems you are coming with a laudable vision because there is an economy part to every sector.

While the Executive Director, PAC Mr. Olawale Rasheed also said the Policy Advocacy Centre of ACCI is interested in the policy part of it adding that the Centre focus on policy enlightenment, advocacy and others.

The DG ACCI, Victoria Akai in her closing remark said, “we saw the seriousness you are taking your relationship with us and from our own end we will do our best to keep our part adding that we look forward to carrying this relationship forward.