The Director-General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Matthew Adepoju, has reaffirmed NASRDA’s position as Nigeria’s lead agency in Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI).
He made this statement while receiving a delegation from the Early Warning Directorate of the ECOWAS Commission at NASRDA headquarters in Abuja.
Dr. Adepoju emphasized Nigeria’s unique position within the ECOWAS region, describing its geospatial community as one of the most advanced, adding that Nigeria surpasses many ECOWAS countries in terms of institutional frameworks, data availability, applications, and the presence of a strong professional body.
He highlighted NASRDA’s important role in shaping policies within the geospatial sector, emphasizing that geospatial data is an integral component of space technology.
The NASRDA Boss noted that the Agency has been at the forefront of policy formulation, creating a strategic roadmap that ensures the effective use of geospatial data for national development.
The Director-General reiterated NASRDA’s commitment to fostering the growth and development of geospatial data infrastructure, ensuring that Nigeria continues to lead the way within the region.
In his remarks, the representative of the Early Warning Directorate of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Ismail Gueye, explained that the purpose of the visit was to intimate the Agency of ECOWAS Geospatial Data Infrastructure project and to understand the challenges faced by the six pilot countries for the initiative which Nigeria is one.
He said the exercise would help the commission, better address any obstacles as well as harmonize efforts and ensure effective implementation of the geospatial project across the region.
Dr. Gueye stated that the visit is aimed at raising awareness about the geospatial project, while gathering valuable feedback from pilot countries involved.
He noted that the feedback gathered, would help define the project and ensure that it meets the needs of the countries and benefits the ECOWAS community.
Dr. Gueye also acknowledged NASRDA as a key player in geospatial technology, appreciating the Agency for its significant contributions to the development of the geospatial community both in Nigeria and African sub region.
Below are pictures from the event for your viewing pleasure.
Priscilla Harry, Media and Corporate Communications.
