Nigeria yet to maximise the potentials of its satellites – Expert

Director, Centre for Satellite Technology Development (CSTD), Dr Spencer Onuh, said in Abuja on Thursday that Nigeria had not maximised the potentials offered by its satellites. Onuh in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said that governments at all levels and some agencies were yet to embrace the potentials of space technology.
“We have not been able to maximise them. Why? Because we need to work with the number of agencies, which are not still free to embrace our stretched hands.
“Even when we say look we can do this and that for you, they are not coming in fully; they are coming with a little bit of hesitations.’’
He stressed the need for federal and state governments, as well as ministries, departments and agencies to embrace the use of satellite technologies, adding that it would be a win-win situation if they embraced this technology.
“The good thing is that it is not even as expensive when compared to buying the technology from outside, and the benefit that will accrue to you from it is in sequential form.’’
The director said that the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) and its centres had experts, who were ready to assist in deploying these applications.
“Even if you are not sure on whether we have the technology you need, talk to us and we will advise you appropriately. Whatever image you want to process, we have the capability and capacity in Nigeria,” he said.
Onuh added that the agency needed the support of every Nigerian to push forward, to sell the knowledge of satellite application to primary and secondary schools, polytechnics and universities.
He stressed the need to address areas of conflicts in Nigeria space sector, and said, “until areas of conflicts acts are clarified, we will not be fully able to utilise the satellite benefits”. (NAN)