The National Space Research and Development Agency has congratulated Chief Owolabi Salis on becoming the first person of Nigerian birth to travel to space, describing the milestone as a major step forward in Nigeria’s space journey.
Director of Media and Corporate Communications, NASRDA, Dr. Felix Ale, in a statement on Tuesday, said Chief Salis’s spaceflight was privately funded, demonstrating the growing interest of Nigerians in participating in global scientific, exploratory, tourism, and commercial space activities.
“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.
According to NASRDA, Chief Salis’s successful space journey represents one of the multiple pathways for Nigerian participation in space and complements the agency’s ongoing work to broaden access to space exploration for citizens.
Ale disclosed that the agency was notified about the flight through its partner organisation, the Space Research and Exploration Agency, ahead of the mission.
“His success demonstrates the expanding opportunities now available to Nigerians in the space sector,” he said.
NASRDA, however, clarified that the collaborative mission with SERA, announced in June 2024, remains on track for an upcoming Blue Origin flight. Unlike Chief Salis’s privately funded mission, the joint NASRDA-SERA programme is designed to offer wider public access.
The programme will involve a merit-based selection of Nigerian citizens aged 18 and above to participate in astronaut training and research development. It will also allow public input on the research areas to be prioritised.
“The application portal for the NASRDA-SERA mission will open in the coming weeks, and the detailed application process will be made public,” Ale added.
The agency praised Chief Salis for raising awareness about space exploration opportunities and underscored that his investment reflects the practical commitment of Nigerian citizens to advancing the country’s space ambitions.
“His achievement marks a defining moment. Nigeria now has both private citizens and government-led efforts actively pushing the frontiers of space exploration,” Ale said.
