The commandant of National Defence College, Rear Admiral Oladele Daji, has called for greater investment in Nigeria’s space research and technology.

Mr Daji made the call on Thursday while delivering his keynote address at the 2021 Space Dialogue/National Media Conference on Space, Science and Technology organised by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA).

“There has to be a deliberate increment in the financial investment drive of the agency to improve the present state of space technology infrastructure, research and human capital development,” he said.

The theme of the conference was “Effective Utilisation, Promotion and Reporting of Space Science, Technology and Innovations in the Post COVID-19 Era”.

Mr Daji, while focusing on “Maximising Space Science Technology and Innovations for Enhanced Human Security in the Post COVID-19 Era,” said space was the frontier to developing any sector.

According to him, application of space, science and technology is a major way nations of the world measure developments.

He also recognised that COVID-19 pandemic had impacted space science, technology and innovation systems and would transcend to years in the future.

“It would be expedient for NASRDA to engender synergy to optimise deliverables in collaboration with the private sector and other relevant agencies,” the military strategist said.

Mr Daji further recommended an increase in electricity generation from the current level of a little above 8,000 megawatts to power the needed socio-economic activities.

He called for more collaboration of the government and private sector to increase the country’s investments in space and medical research.

He said more funding would boost Nigeria’s capabilities and enhance human security in the post COVID-19 era.

“In order to ensure a desirable level of self sufficiency, Nigeria must largely domesticate its space science technology and innovation activities in terms of human resources in the protection and furtherance of her national interests.”

(NAN)