The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) is deploying satellite technology to enhance discovery, monitoring and sustainable development of Plateau State’s mineral resources, with a view to driving economic growth and improving the livelihoods of its people.
The Director General and Chief Executive of NASRDA, Prof. Matthew Adepoju, stated this during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NASRDA and the Plateau State Government at the Agency’s Headquarters in Abuja.
Prof. Adepoju explained that the partnership would leverage the Agency’s satellite capabilities and expertise to develop practical solutions to some of the challenges confronting Plateau State, particularly in the exploration and management of its mineral resources.
According to him, NASRDA is developing a model under the MoU that will provide innovative and sustainable solutions tailored to the developmental needs of the State, while strengthening the capacity of relevant stakeholders to effectively utilise space-based technologies.
He further assured that the Agency would support the Plateau State Government in implementing key provisions of the agreement, through capacity building, and strengthened local expertise which is critical to sustaining the results and benefits of the partnership.
Speaking earlier, the leader of the Plateau State delegation and Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Mohammed Nyalun, described the MoU as a significant milestone in the State’s efforts to harness its natural resources for the benefit of its people.
The Commissioner noted that Plateau State is endowed with abundant natural resources which require advanced technologies for effective discovery, monitoring and utilisation, stressing that NASRDA’s satellite capabilities would be strategic to achieving this objective.
The highpoint of the ceremony was the signing and exchange of the MoU by both parties formally establishing a strategic platform for the deployment of space-based technologies in support of mineral resource development and broader socio-economic advancement in Plateau State.
Below are pictures from the signing:
Reporter: Daniel Abdullahi
Editor: Monica Jiya
Photo credit: Ibrahim Zakari
Media and Corporate Communications
