By Atoyebi Nike
The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has congratulated Chief Owolabi Salis on becoming the first Nigerian-born individual to venture into space, calling it a significant step in the country’s space exploration journey.
In a statement issued by Dr. Felix Ale, NASRDA’s Director of Media and Corporate Communications, the agency highlighted the privately funded mission as a sign of growing interest among Nigerians in global space activities, including science, tourism, and commerce.
“This achievement highlights new opportunities for private sector engagement in Nigeria’s space programme and shines international attention on the nation’s growing capabilities,” Ale said.
The space agency emphasized that Salis’s journey represents a complementary path to its official programmes, including its collaboration with the Space Research and Exploration Agency (SERA), which is still on course for a Blue Origin flight involving selected Nigerian citizens.
Unlike Salis’s self-funded trip, the NASRDA-SERA mission will offer public access through a merit-based application process set to open soon. It will include astronaut training and public involvement in research development.
NASRDA commended Salis for his pioneering role, stating, “His achievement marks a defining moment. Nigeria now has both private citizens and government-led efforts actively pushing the frontiers of space exploration.”
