(Ecofin Agency) - Nigeria has reached a space cooperation agreement with India. The document was signed on August 13 between Francis Chizea, Director General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) of Nigeria, and K. Sivan, of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). Ogbonnaya Onu, the Nigerian Minister of Science and Technology, and V. Muraleedharan the Indian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs were also present for the signing ceremony.

Through this cooperation, Nigeria will benefit from India's expertise in space sciences, planetary exploration, ground stations, development of micro and mini satellites and research and development to develop its forestry, environment, agriculture, mining, watershed development, and connectivity sectors.

The African country will get India’s assistance in building the capacity of its engineers through the exchange of scientific know-how, exchanges between academic institutions and joint symposia or conferences.