The Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by the Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo on Wednesday, approved N3.5billion for the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) and other partners to strengthen space technology in the Country.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Senator Adeleke Mamora.
Mamora said the approval is meant to secure partnership on the upgrade, equipping, operation and marketing of the Space Museum and Planetarium.
He said the buildings to house the museum has been in place since 2018, but paucity had stalled the project.
The Minister said President Muhammadu Buhari at the National Space Council meeting, which he chaired had directed the Director General to explore and exploit collaboration with the private sector.
“According to him: An unsolicited proposal came from a Nigerian company leading to the necessary processes in terms of outline business case and full business case, ensuring compliance with all the requirements needed to present the memo before the Council, which we did this morning. Fortunately, the memo was approved. Of course, the cost of the project is about N3.5 billion and it’s at no cost, and I mean, no cost to government. The project will last for about 15 years, thereafter, it reverts to the federal government. The buildings that we are referring to are located at the NASDA premises here in Abuja.”