The Benue State Government has taken steps to integrate advanced space and geospatial technologies into its development framework.

This followed a high-level strategic engagement between Governor Hyacinth Alia and the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) on Tuesday in Makurdi.

According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Tersoo Kula, Alia expressed optimism about the partnership and assured that his administration would explore strategic initiatives presented by NASRDA, including the establishment of an agro-processing industrial park, an agro-allied airport and a space centre for precision agriculture.

He described the engagement as timely, adding that the agency’s programmes align with his administration’s development vision.

Alia said his administration, since inception, has prioritised efficiency, accountability and data-driven reforms, citing the elimination of ghost workers and ghost schools, which reportedly saved the state over ₦2.5 billion.

The governor also called on NASRDA to establish a space centre in Benue State and undertake comprehensive satellite mapping to support agriculture, land administration, infrastructure development, security and revenue generation.

He pledged his administration’s support for the partnership and directed his Technical Support Team to follow up and engage closely with NASRDA to ensure effective implementation of agreed programmes.

Earlier, NASRDA Director-General, Dr. Matthew Olumide Adepoju, said the agency provides critical support for national security, environmental monitoring, agriculture, education, infrastructure planning and economic development.

He listed NASRDA’s solutions to include precision agriculture, crop monitoring, geospatial mapping of schools and infrastructure, project monitoring and evaluation, land administration systems, revenue optimisation and satellite-enabled security surveillance.

Adepoju affirmed NASRDA’s readiness to collaborate with Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Ihugh, towards establishing a space centre, promising to support Benue’s emergence as a leading sub-national model in space science and geospatial intelligence for governance and sustainable development.