The Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Power (FMP), Chief Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, has called on research-based government agencies and parastatals across the country to move beyond research and incubation to effective commercialisation of their innovations and products in order to strengthen institutional sustainability and expand Nigeria’s revenue base.
Chief Tegbe made the call when he received the management team of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), led by its Director General and Chief Executive, Dr Matthew Adepoju, during a strategic visit to the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
The Minister commended NASRDA for its growing role in deploying space science and technology to address national challenges, adding that the Agency has continued to demonstrate its relevance in solving critical socio-economic and developmental problems.
He stated that the Federal Ministry of Power is willing to partner with NASRDA in key strategic areas, particularly in the development of capabilities for the effective monitoring of critical power infrastructure, as well as in the advancement of renewable energy solutions such as solar panel development and lithium battery technology that can support a more stable and reliable power supply across the country.
Chief Tegbe also proposed the establishment of a joint working committee comprising representatives of both institutions to identify and critical areas of mutual collaboration with clear deliverables and measurable impact.
Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Power, Mr Mahmuda Mamman, described the visit as timely and strategic, stressing that NASRDA is well positioned to complement the Ministry’s mandate through the deployment of its space-based capabilities and technological solutions.
According to him, the Ministry is currently implementing several developmental programmes and initiatives that will require strategic technical input from NASRDA, particularly in areas capable of promoting sustainable national development.
In his remarks, the Director General and Chief Executive of NASRDA, Dr Matthew Adepoju, described the engagement as a double-barrelled visit, explaining that the delegation was at the Ministry both to congratulate the Honourable Minister on his appointment and to explore opportunities for result-oriented collaboration between both institutions.
Dr Adepoju identified a number of critical areas where NASRDA can support the power sector, including the effective monitoring of strategic power infrastructure, green energy development, lithium energy solutions, maximising the use of graphene and the development of solar panels to support steady electricity for Nigerians.
He emphasised that NASRDA possesses the technical competence, research capacity and innovation-driven solutions required to support the Federal Ministry of Power in delivering on its mandate and driving broader national development objectives.
Also speaking during the visit, NASRDA’s development partner and investor, Miss Ure Utah, underscored the importance of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) as a veritable pathway to accelerating national growth and innovation. She noted that no society can attain remarkable progress without encouraging structured private sector participation in government-driven initiatives.
She explained that the proposed Swedish Power Pack initiative represents a significant investment opportunity capable of addressing Nigeria’s power challenges through the development of solar energy solutions, including solar panels designed to improve access to stable and sustainable electricity across the country.
The meeting marks a significant step toward building a strategic alliance between the Federal Ministry of Power and NASRDA, with both institutions expressing commitment to leveraging science, innovation and technology to strengthen critical infrastructure, expand energy access and support Nigeria’s development aspirations.
Below are pictures from the meeting.
Reporter: Daniel Abdullahi
Editor: Monica Jiya
Photo credit: Ibrahim Zakari
Media and Corporate Communications NASRDA.
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