In a bold and strategic move to tackle the growing threats of internal and external insecurity in Nigeria, the Director General and Chief Executive of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Matthew Adepoju, has reiterated the Agency’s commitment to deploying advanced space-based surveillance solutions in partnership with sub-national governments.
Dr. Adepoju made this statement during the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NASRDA and the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC), held at the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
The NASRDA boss who extended the Agency’s heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Benue State over the recent tragic attacks, expressed sadness over the painful incident and offered prayers for the families affected, noting that such incidents could be significantly curtailed with real-time surveillance powered by space technology.
He stressed that the partnership with Benue State is both strategic and timely, especially in light of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent call for the adoption of unified and innovative technological frameworks to address national security challenges.
Dr. Adepoju assured the delegation that NASRDA has the technical capacity and resources to deliver high-resolution satellite surveillance systems capable of monitoring and tracking the movement of armed groups both day and night.
He emphasized that these technologies would furnish Nigeria’s security architecture with critical intelligence for proactive response.
According to him, insecurity is no longer a localized issue but a national emergency that requires a futuristic approach.
He explained that the collaboration has become a necessity hence, the need for both technical teams to commence immediate implementation of the MoU for the benefit of the people.
In his remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Benue Digital Infrastructure Company, BDIC, Mr. Gbande Terwase, expressed appreciation to NASRDA for opening its doors to the partnership.
He stated that the visit aims to harness NASRDA’s geospatial and satellite-based ICT expertise to enhance digital connectivity, surveillance, and informed decision-making in Benue State.
Mr. Terwase emphasized that BDIC was established to drive digital services, infrastructure, and literacy for socio-economic transformation.
According to him, the partnership is a leap towards putting Benue State on the global innovation map while seeking to stimulate digital growth, improve governance, and ensure safer communities through this alliance.
He further appealed to NASRDA to create opportunities for Benue students to visit the Agency for educational excursions and to provide capacity building programs tailored to empower the youth in digital and space technologies.
Below are pictures from the event.
Written by: Chidimma Ayogu
Editor: Joy Opaluwa
Media and Corporate Communications
