The Director-General and Chief Executive of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Matthew Adepoju, has emphasized the importance of adopting a data-driven approach to urban development and planning as a system for sustainable development of Abuja.

He made this statement while receiving a delegation from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) on a courtesy visit to NASRDA’s Headquarters in Abuja.

Dr. Adepoju said, the effective use of satellite imagery, geospatial data, and advanced analytics can empower the administration of Abuja to make informed decisions, optimize resource allocation, and achieve sustainable urban growth.

He explained that evidence based planning is critical to addressing the complex challenges of rapid urbanization, pointing the need to leverage real-time data and analytics for effective monitoring, predictive mapping, and sound policymaking which are essential for improving urban livability, resilience, and service delivery.

The NASRDA boss added that a data-centric urban development strategy would not only stimulate sustainable growth and economic development, but also enhance environmental management and conservation, thereby ensuring an improved quality of life for residents of the Federal Capital Territory.

While commending the FCDA delegation for its visionary approach to urban management, Dr. Adepoju assured them of NASRDA’s commitment to providing technical strategies and space technology based solutions to support Abuja’s development agenda.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Engr. Richard Dauda, applauded the Director General and management of NASRDA for the Agency’s remarkable transformation and growing national relevance.

Engr. Dauda highlighted that FCDA is statutorily responsible for planning, designing, and implementing policies for Abuja’s development, including the provision of infrastructure and essential services across the Federal Capital Territory.

He further stated that FCDA seeks strategic collaboration with NASRDA in areas such as, provision of satellite imageries and geospatial data, monitoring of urban growth and development, land-use planning and management, as well as enhancement of disaster risk management for Abuja.

Below are pictures from the event:

Reporter: Chidimma Ayogu
Editor: Monica Jiya
Media and Corporate Communication