The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has congratulated Chief Owolabi Salis on his historic achievement as the first person of Nigerian birth to travel to space, hailing the milestone as a significant boost to the nation’s space aspirations.
In a press release issued on Friday by Dr. Felix Ale, Director of Media and Corporate Communications at NASRDA, the agency lauded Chief Salis for privately funding his space mission, a feat it described as a reflection of the growing enthusiasm among Nigerians to engage in scientific, exploratory, tourism, and commercial space ventures.
According to the statement, “The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) congratulates Chief Owolabi Salis on his successful space flight. He becomes the first person of Nigerian birth to travel to space.”
Chief Salis’s journey to space is being celebrated as a pioneering act that paves the way for deeper private sector involvement in Nigeria’s space sector.
“Chief Salis privately funded his space mission, demonstrating the deep interest of Nigerians to participate in scientific, exploratory, tourism and commercial space activities. His achievement highlights new opportunities for private sector engagement in the space Programme,” the agency stated.
NASRDA emphasized the importance of this milestone, stating that it brings Nigeria into the spotlight of global space conversations.
“This milestone brings significant international attention to Nigeria’s space Programme capabilities, while positioning the nation among countries where citizens actively participate in space activities,” Ale said.
The agency described Salis’s success as complementary to its broader vision of creating accessible space exploration opportunities for more Nigerians.
“Chief Salis’s successful mission represents one pathway for Nigerian space participation. His achievement complements NASRDA’s ongoing efforts to expand access to space exploration for Nigerian citizens,” he added.
The space agency revealed that it had been informed of Salis’s mission beforehand through one of its strategic partners.
Ale said, “NASRDA received notification of Chief Salis’s mission through our partner organisation, Space Research and Exploration Agency (SERA), prior to the flight. His success demonstrates the expanding opportunities now available to Nigerians in the space sector.”
While celebrating Salis, NASRDA also reiterated its commitment to a broader space initiative under its partnership with SERA.
“However, it must be emphasised that the NASRDA-SERA collaborative mission, announced in June 2024, remains on course for an upcoming Blue Origin flight. This program represents a different pathway, providing opportunities for broader Nigerian participation through open competition,” the NASRDA image maker noted.
The NASRDA-SERA initiative is designed to democratize space access by involving ordinary Nigerian citizens in both the astronaut selection process and scientific research development.
“Our collaborative mission will enable Nigerian citizens to participate in astronaut selection and contribute to the development of research proposals. Eligibility extends to all Nigerian citizens aged 18 and above through transparent, merit-based selection criteria,” he said.
To ensure national relevance, NASRDA disclosed that research areas for the collaborative mission will reflect citizens’ voices.
“Research priorities for the NASRDA-SERA mission will also be determined through public input from Nigerian citizens. This approach ensures the mission addresses national priorities identified by Nigerian citizens,” Ale added.
Ale noted that the application portal for the NASRDA-SERA programme will open soon.
“The application portal for the NASRDA-SERA programme will open in the coming weeks. Detailed application procedures will be announced prior to the portal’s activation.”
He added that Chief Salis’s personal investment serves as inspiration to Nigerians and underlines their readiness to take part in shaping Nigeria’s space future.
“NASRDA celebrates Chief Salis’s contribution to raising awareness about space exploration opportunities for Nigerians. His private investment demonstrates the practical commitment of Nigerian citizens to advancing our national space participation.”
Summing up the significance of this milestone, the statement read: “Chief Salis’s achievement marks a defining moment for Nigeria’s space ambitions. Nigeria now has both private citizens and government programs actively pursuing space exploration, positioning the nation as an active participant in the global space economy.”
For more information about NASRDA’s programs or the SERA partnership, the public is advised to contact the agency’s Media and Corporate Communication Department.
