The Director General, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Prof. Matthew Adepoju, has reaffirmed the Agency’s readiness to deploy its space-based capabilities, geospatial intelligence and Earth observation infrastructure to strengthen Nigeria’s multi-hazard early warning systems and disaster risk management efforts.
Prof. Adepoju made this statement while receiving a delegation from the Accelerating Resilience through Investments, Systems and Engagement (ARISE) of the World Bank Disaster Risk Management at the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
The Director General commended the ARISE initiative and highlighted that a multi-hazard early warning framework is essential for improving Nigeria’s ability to anticipate, monitor, and respond to disasters.
Prof. Adepoju recalled that during the delegation’s initial visit to NASRDA, the team presented its proposed areas of intervention, following which the Agency identified areas of mutual interest where its technical expertise and infrastructure could contribute.
Prof. Adepoju pointed to seismic activities around Abuja, stressing the importance of sustained monitoring, reliable geophysical data and the application of space-based technologies in supporting timely decisions, public safety and effective disaster response.
The NASRDA Boss disclosed that NASRDA, through its Centre for Geodesy and Geodynamics (CGG) in Toro, Bauchi State, is advancing plans to commission additional geodetic monitoring infrastructure to strengthen the monitoring of crustal movements and other geohazards.
He added that such infrastructure would complement existing monitoring facilities and enhance the availability of critical data for scientific research, early warning and disaster risk assessment.
Prof. Adepoju further highlighted the Agency’s contributions to flood monitoring and disaster management through its engagement with the United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER).
He assured the delegation that NASRDA was fully prepared to work with the team in areas of mutual benefit, particularly in leveraging satellite technology, geospatial intelligence and institutional expertise to strengthen disaster preparedness, and risk reduction.
Speaking earlier, Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist and head of the delegation, Mr. Francis Nkoka, said the visit was aimed at sharing the progress recorded so far under the ARISE Nigeria Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Project and providing updates on ongoing efforts.
He added that NASRDA is one of the integral institutions relevant to the ARISE project and said more collaborations are expected in the future.
In a technical presentation, Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist, Ms. Mary Boyer, presented an overview of the proposed ARISE Nigeria Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Operation, titled Accelerating Resilience through Investments, Systems and Engagement.
She highlighted the need for strategic investments, stronger institutional systems and coordinated stakeholder engagement to improve Nigeria’s capacity for disaster preparedness, response and recovery.
Below are pictures from the event.
Reporter: Grace Jacob
Editor: Ninma Yacim
Photo Credit: Ibrahim Zakari
Media and Corporate Communications
