The Director General and Chief Executive of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Matthew Adepoju, has emphasized the need to ensure that space technology, directly benefits Nigerians.
Dr Adepoju made the remarks when receiving a delegation from the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, Minna, Niger State, at NASRDA’s headquarters in Abuja.
He noted that while NASRDA has successfully launched multiple satellites since its establishment in 1999, the Agency’s primary focus remains on leveraging these advancements to create positive impacts and drive the socioeconomic development of the nation.
Dr Adepoju emphasized the need for strong collaboration between Federal and state governments to domesticate Space Technology and integrate it into key sectors, particularly in agriculture, land information systems, and digital transformation.
Highlighting NASRDA’s ongoing efforts in the educational sector, Dr Adepoju explained that the Agency has worked closely with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), and the Niger State Government on various research initiatives.
He also acknowledged the long-standing partnership between NASRDA and the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT Minna), which has produced leading experts in space science, including a former Director General of the Agency.
Commending the Niger State Governor for his visionary leadership, Dr. Adepoju expressed confidence in the state government’s initiative to deploy space technology for economic growth and development.
He assured NASRDA’s support for Niger State’s administration, saying that the Agency is ready to collaborate in areas such as agricultural technology, geospatial data management, and ICT training for youth and women.
He proposed the formation of a joint committee as a structure that will enhance the effectiveness of the proposed collaboration .
Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation, the Commissioner for communication, Niger State, Hon. Suleiman Danjuma stated that the State’s ambitious agricultural initiative, ‘The New Niger,’ which is aimed at positioning the state as a leading food hub for Nigeria and West Africa, will be impossible without integrating space technology.
Hon. Danjuma said Niger State wants to explore by partnering with NASRDA not just in agriculture, but also on urban renewal projects geospatial mapping, and infrastructure development.
He however appreciated NASRDA’s management for their commitment to Niger state over the years and looks forward to a mutually rewarding collaboration.
Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of Abdulkadir Kure University, Minna, Niger State Prof. Mohammed Aliyu Paiko expressed appreciation for NASRDA’s hospitality and reaffirmed the university’s readiness to collaborate on research initiatives.
He noted that Niger State has immense agricultural potential and practical exposure to advanced space technology, would be invaluable for students.
Below are pictures from the event.
Monica Jiya
Media and Corporate Communications
