The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have partnered to combat illegal mining and other crimes using geospatial intelligence.
The two organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday in Abuja to strengthen national security and enhance accountability across key sectors of the economy.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Director-General of NASRDA, Dr Matthew Adepoju, said the partnership would reinforce the implementation of national space regulations, improve spectrum management, and enhance oversight of activities within Nigeria’s rapidly expanding space ecosystem.
“This is a milestone for justice and accountability. The agreement will ensure that both local and international organizations operating within Nigeria’s space sector fully comply with existing laws and regulatory frameworks.
“We cannot ignore the fact that illegal mining is a major contributor to insecurity in the country. NASRDA remains committed to regulating operators across the upstream, midstream and downstream segments of the space sector to ensure full legal compliance,” Adepoju said.
He described the EFCC as an ideal partner for the initiative, citing the commission’s leadership, institutional management and track record under its Chairman, Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede.
Adepoju said NASRDA would deploy advanced space and geospatial technologies to support the EFCC in carrying out its mandate more efficiently and in line with international best practices.
According to him, implementation of the MoU would commence immediately.
Also speaking, Olukoyede described the agreement as a demonstration of effective inter-agency collaboration and how cooperation could strengthen institutional capacity and improve governance outcomes.
He said the partnership would serve as a model for other ministries, departments and agencies to embrace collaboration as a pathway to stronger governance and national development.
Olukoyede disclosed that NASRDA would provide advanced technologies to enhance the EFCC’s investigative and asset-tracking capabilities, while the commission would apply its expertise to maximize the use of geospatial data for fraud-risk intelligence and enforcement.
