The Federal Executive Council (FEC), presided over by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, has approved the establishment of a space museum and planetarium in Abuja.
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Adeleke Mamora said this while briefing journalists at the end of Wednesday’s cabinet meeting.
A planetarium is a theatre built to present education and entertainment on space science.
He said the project would cost N3.5 billion, but at no cost to the Nigerian government.
Mamora said that the project, to be handled under the Public-Private Partnership, would be sited on the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) premises in Abuja.
“Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation presented a memo to the Council concerning Public-Private Partnership brought by one of our agencies, NASRDA.
“The memo is, essentially, to secure a partnership for the upgrade, equipping, and marketing of the space museum and planetarium.
“And the building meant for this project has been in place since 2018; but because of the non-availability of funds to put the necessary equipment in place, the project has been stalled.”
The minister said Wednesday’s decision was based on President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive at the National Space Council meeting earlier in the year.
He said the President, at the meeting, directed the Director-General of NASRDA to explore and exploit collaboration with the private sector.
He said that a proposal was received from a private company in Nigeria.
“This led to the processes outlining a business case and ensuring compliance with all the requirements needed.
“This led us to present the memo before the cabinet; fortunately, the memo was approved.
“The cost of the project is about N3.5billion and it is at no cost to the government; the project will last for about 15 years when, after that, it reverts to the Federal Government.
“The buildings I am referring to are located in the NASDRA premises here in Abuja.”
Mamora said that the project would create jobs for more than 200 people and provide opportunities for learning experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
