NIGERIA SECURES STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS AT UNGA 79 TO BOOST SPACE PROGRAM AND TECHNOLOGICAL GROWTH

The Federal Republic of Nigeria reinforced its commitment to international scientific collaboration and technological growth through strategic engagements at the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79) in New York.

​The Nigerian delegation, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, featured key principal government officials including Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji. Throughout the global summit, the delegation participated in high-level multilateral forums, high-density diplomatic side events, and bilateral meetings designed to position Nigeria as an emerging technological leader in Africa.

​A central focus of the delegation’s engagements was the expansion of Nigeria’s national space program. In line with national priorities to advance satellite communications and space technology, strategic talks were held with international private sector pioneers, including Axiom Space. These discussions aimed to establish framework partnerships for orbital research, microgravity experiments, and enhanced satellite data utilization. The strategic goal remains to leverage space technology directly for socio-economic benefits, such as improving agricultural forecasting and food security, tracking environmental and climate shifts, and bolstering national security monitoring.

​In addition to space initiatives, the delegation held structured meetings with global multilateral bodies, including senior leadership at the United Nations. Dialogues centered on institutional capacity building, technical knowledge transfer, and securing international investment for Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem. These initiatives are tailored to upskill local engineers, scientists, and technology entrepreneurs, ensuring that sustainable infrastructure and research remain at the heart of the country's national development agenda.