The President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Chief Emeka Obegolu, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the newly appointed Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Matthew Adepoju.
The visit was aimed at congratulating Dr Adepoju on his appointment and reinforcing the collaboration between ACCI and NASRDA, particularly on their joint efforts at the African Space Economy Conference and Exhibition (ASE).
This was contained in a statement by Olayemi R. John-Mensah, ACCI Media/Strategy Officer.
The ASE, co-owned by both organizations, is a flagship event designed to advance Africa’s space economy.
Speaking during the visit, Chief Obegolu, SAN, PhD, described Dr Adepoju’s appointment as timely and well-deserved, commending his significant contributions as Co-chair of the Planning Committee for the inaugural ASE in 2023.
“Your leadership during the maiden ASE reinforced our confidence in your ability to steer NASRDA toward new milestones. The partnership between ACCI and NASRDA is a strong example of how public and private sector collaboration can drive innovation and economic development,” Chief Obegolu remarked.
The ACCI President also lauded NASRDA’s initiative in establishing its commercial arm, encouraging the agency to register it as a member of the Chamber.
He further urged Dr Adepoju to inspire other government agencies to foster deeper collaboration with the private sector.
Looking ahead to the second edition of the ASE, scheduled for June 17–18, 2025, with the theme “Space Economy and Emerging Trends in Africa,” Chief Obegolu, SAN, PhD, proposed finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) within the next few weeks.
He also advocated for an independent framework to institutionalize the event, ensuring sustainability under future ACCI and NASRDA leadership.
“We need to mobilize resources, promote the ASE, and attract more business-oriented stakeholders to unlock the immense potential of the space economy. Collaboration is key, and both our legal teams should work together to establish a special purpose vehicle to drive this initiative,” Chief Obegolu added.
Mr Osi Imomoh, Chairman of the ASE Planning Committee and former ACCI Vice President for ICT emphasized the significance of the conference as a transformative platform for Africa’s space industry.
He proposed the creation of a ₦10 million annual seed fund from each partner, the ACCI and NASRDA to ensure the event’s sustainability and growth.
“Our vision is to make the ASE a must-attend event for global industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers. With adequate funding, we can deliver a world-class conference that strengthens Africa’s position in the global space economy,” Imomoh stated.
Dr Adepoju expressed his gratitude for the visit and reaffirmed NASRDA’s commitment to the ASE and its broader goal of advancing Nigeria’s space economy.
He outlined a three-point agenda for NASRDA: transforming the agency into a globally competitive institution, empowering its workforce, and integrating private sector participation to drive growth in the space sector.
“The collaboration between NASRDA and ACCI is pivotal to achieving our shared objectives. I am committed to ensuring the success of the ASE and positioning Nigeria as a global player in the space economy,” Dr Adepoju said.
He pledged to release NASRDA’s ₦10 million contribution to the ASE seed fund once the agency’s budget is accessed. Dr Adepoju also emphasized the need to institutionalize the ASE as a self-sustaining initiative jointly managed by NASRDA and ACCI.
The ACCI delegation accompanying the ACCI President included Vice President Legal, Aisha Ado Abdullahi; Council members, Barr. Peter Ozoagu, Mr Olatunji Salawu and Mr Ikechukwu Mauris; Executive Director of the National Policy Advocacy Centre (NPAC) and ASE Conference Director, Dr Chidiebere Onwumere, and ACCI General Counsel, Hajia Hauwa Kaka Usman.
Both parties committed to finalizing the MoU within the coming weeks to solidify their partnership and preparations for the 2025 ASE. The conference is set to attract global participants and showcase Africa’s potential to leverage the space economy for socio-economic development.
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