The Director General and Chief Executive, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Matthew Adepoju, has emphasized the importance of fostering effective collaboration with critical stakeholders and strategic partners as a vital platform for national transformation.
He made this statement during a courtesy visit to the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Ona Najomo, at the Authority’s headquarters in Abuja.
The NASRDA boss, who was visibly elated by the warm reception from the NCAA team, expressed optimism that a partnership between both organizations will yield meaningful results for Nigeria.
He noted that NASRDA is currently developing a rocketry program capable of covering ten kilometers, but requires the involvement of NCAA to ensure compliance with aviation laws and safety standards.
Dr. Adepoju also disclosed that the Agency is working on a hot air balloon initiative designed to operate within Abuja and neighboring states, stressing that the formalization of this project requires procedural guidance from the NCAA.
He further stated that with the recent launch of Space Regulation, Licensing, and Spectrum services and the presidential approval for NASRDA to mainstream the activities of revenue-based organizations in the country, there is a need to synergize with NCAA, as well as leverage on its experience and infrastructure.
He called for cooperation in the area of drone activity surveillance across the country, affirming that NASRDA possesses the technical capacity to support national efforts in monitoring and regulating unmanned aerial systems.
According to him, such a partnership will enhanced national security and improve airspace management through real-time space-enabled intelligence.
In his response, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer, NCAA, Captain Chris Ona Najomo, welcomed the NASRDA delegation describing the visit as timely and significant.
He noted that both organizations have several operational similarities and therefore must work closely together to maximize their collective impact.
Captain Najomo highlighted key areas for collaboration, including licensing, regulatory compliance, safety, capacity building, and enforcement.
He stressed that working together will enable both agencies to deliver optimal services to Nigerians while aligning with international best practice.
While pledging support for NASRDA’s hot air balloon program, Captain Najomo underscored the need for sustained partnership in the surveillance and monitoring of drone operations across the country using NASRDA’s advanced space infrastructure and capabilities.
The meeting climaxed with the nomination and inauguration of a joint committee comprising representatives from both agencies tasked with identifying and implementing specific areas of collaboration to ensure the delivery of impactful, innovative, and secure aviation and space-based services to Nigerians.
Below are pictures from the visit:
Written by: Daniel Abdullahi,
Edited by: Dagyeng Kaneng,
Media and Corporate Communications.
