Mr Clem Agba, the Minister of State, Budget and National Planning, says the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), is critical to national development.
Agba also expressed satisfaction with the enormous human capacity of the space agency.
The minister of state said this on Wednesday at the inauguration of the Geo-Referenced Infrastructure Demographic Data for Development (GRID3) project facility.
Reports state that the facility is domiciled in NASRDA, Abuja.
GRID3 programme is part of a bigger global initiative which aims to improve access to data for decision-making in all participating countries, including Nigeria.
He said the space agency through its performance and strategic supports was fulfilling its mandate of pursuing the development and applications of space science and technology for socio-economic benefits of the nation.
“The establishment of GRID3 project data infrastructure for good governance is to fill the void and assist in sustainable development as geospatial technology remains an important tool for national development.
“In line with the integrity and transparency policy of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, stakeholders and key players are now charged with the responsibility of providing relevant data to work in synergy for the growth and development of the country,’’ he said.
The Acting Director-General of NASRDA, Dr Francis Chizea, assured the minister of the agency’s commitment and readiness toward the actualisation of the GRID3 project implementation.
Chizea said that the space agency as a repository of space assets and Geospatial data had the human capacity to provide necessary data that would positively affect decision-making in the quest for a great nation.
“The GRID3 team is saddled with Geospatial Infrastructure development, training and capacity building, publicity and awareness for stakeholders at national and state levels.
“They are equipped on the effective utilisation of geospatial technologies for sustainable development and good governance.
“This is strong indication that the space agency and stakeholders have the capacity to use, maintain and potentially improve upon the Geo-Referenced Infrastructure Demographic Data for Development,’’ Chizea said.
He assured Nigerians that the agency would deploy every effort to full implementation of the Nigeria Space Programme and Policy for the growth of the country and socio-economic development of citizens.