15 December 2022
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, signed the Artemis Accords on behalf of Nigeria.
He also announced partnership with Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) to provide broadband access across the whole of Nigeria. These two events took place at the ongoing US-Africa Leaders’ Forum (USALF), taking place in Washington DC, United States of America.
The Summit was hosted by President Joe Biden of the United States and brought together leaders from across Africa.
Pantami signed the Accords to signal Nigeria’s participation in the next phase of space exploration to be coordinated by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
President Paul Kagame also announced Rwanda’s endorsement of the Accord. President Paul Biya of Cameroon, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and the Deputy Secretary of Commerce, Mr. Don Graves, also spoke at the event. Nigeria and Rwanda were the first two African countries to sign the Accord and the 22md and 23rd in the world.
The signing took place on the 13th of December 2022 at the U.S.-Africa Space Forum- a side event at the USALF.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said “I’m thrilled Nigeria and Rwanda are committing to the safe, sustainable use of outer space. In an era where more nations than ever have space programs, today’s signings highlight a growing commitment to ensure space exploration is conducted responsibly.”
