ADVERTISEMENT

Why is Nigeria still wasting money to launch satellites?

When will decision makers stop making blank, untenable bets? When will Nigeria start getting it right?

After launching five satellites with nothing to show for it (publicly, at least), Nigeria is making another attempt at space-earth communication with the launch of yet another satellite — this time a nanosatellite. It is a scientific satellite that will supposedly be used to study environmental parameters and it will launch into orbit between May 23 and 27, 2017.

Nigeria has launched different kinds of “Africa’s first” satellites — the NigComSat-I, Africa’s first communications satellite, readily comes to mind. While there is nothing wrong with satellite launches, Nigeria has no business investing so heavily in areas like this — satellites are not cheap.

Prof. Seidu Mohammed, Director General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), while speaking to journalists in New York, says, “We believe before 2030, there will be need for Nigeria to be an international space station.”

The average Nigerian who lives on less than $2 a day would beg to differ. As a country struggling with deeply-rooted corruption, overpopulation, underdevelopment and extreme levels of unemployment, an “international space station” is not a “need”.

ADVERTISEMENT

Rather than focusing its effort on building human capacity, improving the education sector and investing in tech infrastructure, NASRDA wants Nigeria to become a “space power” by 2030.

To properly understand why this a ridiculously naive approach to take, here’s the NASRDA DG explaining what the nanosatellites will be used for: “Those nanosatellites, each time they are within the Nigerian territory, would be singing National Anthem. So those who carry UHF radio would be able to receive it and all these are part of Nigeria’s efforts,”  Nigeria CommunicationsWeek reports.

It’s only in Nigeria that the national anthem playing on UHF radio more important than investing in the tech ecosystem and building infrastructure that could actually benefit millions of Nigerians.

That aside, to think that a country with a next to non-existent space program and extensive infrastructural deficits (as well as a terrible lack of diversity in its economy) wants to design, build and launch satellites within 13 years is just laughable at best. Nigeria can’t even pass a budget on time.

ADVERTISEMENT

When will we learn to stop wasting resources we don’t have? When will decision makers stop making blank, untenable bets? When will Nigeria start getting it right? When will Nigeria start to solve problems that actually matter?

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT