World news story

Nigeria and UK agree to work on space technology cooperation.

The UK and Nigeria have signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation on the exploration and use of outer space.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

The UK and Nigeria have signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation on the exploration and use of outer space. The signing was held at the headquarters of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA); Director General Dr Seidu Mohammed signed on behalf of NASRDA and British High Commissioner Dr Andrew Pocock signed on behalf of the UK Space Agency.

Dr David Parker, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said of the memorandum:

I am delighted that the MoU between our agencies is being signed today.

Nigeria and the UK have a strong history of cooperation in the peaceful uses of space as part of the Disaster Monitoring Constellation (DMC) consortium. The UK Space Agency is developing a stronger mechanism for cooperation with emerging markets through its Global Collaborative Space Programme. I very much look forward discussing how this might offer opportunities for cooperation between our two countries.

Now that the memorandum has been signed, the National Space Research and Development Agency will work with the UK Space Agency and the UK Science Innovation Network to identify and explore future opportunities for collaboration.

Published 2 April 2014