The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has taken a giant leap forward with the inauguration of its Advanced Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) Laboratory in Abuja. At the helm of this innovative project is Dr. Chichebe Akachukwu, Director of the Advanced Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Center.
According to Dr. Akachukwu, the laboratory’s materials are largely sourced locally, demonstrating NASRDA’s commitment to indigenous capacity development.¹ He explained that some Unmanned Vehicles, like the Pocopter, will be used for surveillance, entertainment, and precision farming. “The idea is to do things by ourselves. Because when you do something by yourself, when it is bad or damaged, you fix it,” Dr. Akachukwu emphasized.
The Advanced Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Laboratory is expected to enhance security, monitor revenue leaks, and improve agricultural practices across the country. With Dr. Akachukwu’s leadership, NASRDA is poised to make significant strides in unmanned aerial vehicle technology.
At the launch, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Mr. Uche Nnaji, highlighted the importance of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in boosting national revenue by identifying financial leaks. The Director General of NASRDA, Dr. Mathew Adepoju, also emphasized the need for collaboration to commercialize the agency’s innovations and transform them into practical products and services.
With the inauguration of the Advanced Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Laboratory, NASRDA has taken a significant step towards achieving Nigeria’s space ambitions. Under Dr. Akachukwu’s guidance, the agency is set to make a meaningful impact in the field of unmanned aerial vehicle technology.
