The Director General and Chief Executive, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Matthew Adepoju, has affirmed the critical importance of health and safety as foundational elements for achieving organizational goals and sustaining excellence in Nigeria’s space sector.
He made this known during the 2026 World Day for Safety and Health at Work Workshop held at the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja, themed: “Thriving Personnel, Precision Mission: The Human Elements of Nigeria’s Space Infrastructure.”
Dr. Adepoju explained that the concept of “thriving personnel” remains central to the three-point agenda of his administration, which is focused on empowering, supporting, and equipping NASRDA’s workforce to perform at optimal level.
He noted that as the Agency continues to strengthen Nigeria’s space infrastructure through advancements in satellite technology, there is an urgent need to remain committed to internationally recognized best practices in occupational safety and health.
According to him, safeguarding personnel is not only a moral responsibility but also a strategic necessity for sustaining innovation and operational excellence in space science and technology development.
In his presentation, the Comptroller General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Mr. Samuel Olumode, highlighted that safety is a shared responsibility, urging institutions to adopt proactive safety measures to prevent accidents that could result in loss of lives and property.
He further pointed out the strong link between human capital and institutional performance, noting that NASRDA’s achievements in satellite technology are driven by dedicated professionals whose well-being directly influences mission success.
Delivering the keynote address, the Chairperson of the Abuja Branch of the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON), Mrs. Ifeoma Okpara, identified key workplace psychosocial risk factors, including environmental, social, and organizational risks.
She stressed the need for deliberate interventions to mitigate these risks in order to enhance workplace comfort and boost productivity.
In his opening remarks, the Director of Engineering and Space Systems (ESS), Dr. Ikpaya David Ikpaya, stated that the workshop was designed to reinforce safety culture within the Agency by promoting adherence to essential safety principles across all operational levels.
The Director of Media and Corporate Communications, NASRDA, Dr. Felix Ale, noted that in the unique field of space science, health and safety remain the cornerstone of productivity, innovation, and mission success.
Also speaking, the Director of Physical and Life Sciences, Prof. Benjamin Ayantunji, commended the NASRDA Director General for prioritizing staff welfare through the approval of an upgrade to the Agency’s clinic, which is expected to become fully operational in May 2026.
The event was organized by the Department of Engineering and Space Systems of the National Space Research and Development Agency NASRDA in collaboration with experts and some strategic partners.
Below are pictures from the event:
Reporter: Daniel Abdullahi
Editor: Monica Jiya
Photo credit: Ibrahim Zakari
Media and Corporate Communications
