By Sarah Momoh
In a move to strengthen inter-agency collaboration for enhanced national development, the Surveyor General of the Federation (SGOF), Surv. Abudulganiyu Adeyemi Adebomehin, has pledged robust support to the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) to improve performance in space technology, geospatial infrastructure, and national data management.
This was contained in a statement signed on 11th June 2025 by Henry David, Head, Information and Public Relations Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation
The statement reads, ‘this commitment was made during a strategic visit by NASRDA’s Director General and CEO, Dr. Matthew Adepoju, and his management team to the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation (OSGOF) in Abuja on Tuesday.
The high-level meeting explored pressing issues affecting Nigeria’s communication sector, geospatial data governance, national census preparations, and satellite deployment. Both agencies emphasized the urgent need for collaboration in regulating the telecommunications industry, particularly regarding the placement of masts and ground stations within residential communities, citing potential health risks and increasing cancer prevalence.
“We must recommend global best practices like co-location to reduce harmful radiation and protect public health. Many nations, including the US and UK, have moved away from indiscriminate mast installations,” both organizations asserted.
The two federal bodies also reiterated their readiness to support the National Population Commission (NPC) in executing a credible and data-driven national census, stating that accurate geospatial and survey inputs are indispensable to the process.
“Without the critical roles played by NASRDA and OSGOF, any national census would lack the foundational data for precision and planning,” they noted.
SGOF Adebomehin assured NASRDA of personnel and technical assistance to strengthen its operations, offering OSGOF’s team of skilled software engineers and geospatial experts. He further urged the space agency to advocate for satellite technologies with sub-10cm accuracy, which he said would significantly curb government losses arising from multiple MDAs contracting external satellite services.
“We are behind you 100 percent. It’s time to embrace digital transformation and pursue local solutions that match global standards,” Adebomehin stated.
In his remarks, Dr. Adepoju highlighted NASRDA’s ongoing efforts to support industrial sectors, such as the Ministry of Steel Development, with mineral mapping and satellite-based exploration. He invited OSGOF to partner in a broader national project to identify new mining locations, particularly in support of Ajaokuta Steel’s potential revival.
“We don’t want NASRDA to act alone. OSGOF’s contribution is critical, and a joint effort will deliver better outcomes for national resource mapping,” he added.
The Director of Geodesy, Surv. Duniya Magaji Joseph, noted that collaboration has historically improved operational outcomes, especially for the military, and cautioned against institutional silos driven by competition for funding.
“When we focus on the advantages of joint action, there’s no reason any agency should fear collaboration,” he said.
To commemorate the visit, NASRDA symbolically decorated the Surveyor General with the agency’s official lapel pin and presented him with a branded vest, plaque, and other gifts, welcoming him as an honorary member of their strategic team.
This renewed partnership signals a transformative era of inter-agency cooperation aimed at improving Nigeria’s geospatial intelligence, space technology development, and data-driven governance.
