The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has renewed its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NASA to advance space geodesy and geohazard research at the Centre for Geodesy and Geodynamics (CGG) in Toro, Bauchi State, Nigeria.

This renewal emphasizes NASRDA’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with NASA and aligns with Nigeria’s strategic priorities under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which include geodesy, geodynamics, and the monitoring of Nigeria’s tectonic activities and coastal movements.

The partnership, first established in 2008 and renewed every five years, focuses on international cooperation in space geodesy programs such as the Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS) and the African Geodetic Reference Frame (AFREF).

It also includes participation in global networks to address solid earth deformation and earth orientation parameters, and collaboration on geohazard research involving earthquakes, floods, landslides, subsidence, and volcanic eruptions​.

During the virtual meeting to renew the MoU, Dr. Mathew Adepoju, NASRDA’s Director General, highlighted the agency’s commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the agreement and emphasized the importance of capacity building and technical know-how transfer between NASRDA and NASA. Dr. Adepoju assured NASA of Nigeria’s readiness to contribute valuable data and support to enhance NASA’s global programs​​.

NASA representatives, including Elizabeth Anderson from the Office of International and Interagency Relations and Stephen Merkowitz from the Earth Science Division, expressed enthusiasm about the renewed cooperation.

They noted the historical significance of the NASA-NASRDA partnership, which dates back to the 1960s, and emphasized the critical role of CGG Toro in providing reliable geodetic data essential for global geodesy programs​​.

The renewed partnership aims to leverage NASRDA’s expertise and equipment, positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for space geodesy in West Africa. The collaboration is expected to yield significant benefits for both NASA’s research initiatives and Nigeria’s capacity to monitor and mitigate geohazards.

Source: Nigeria Times, Galaxy Aerospace Ghana, Space in Africa