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The Benue Digital Infrastructure Company PLC (BDIC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA). A strategic  move to revolutionize digital governance, the deal will leverage satellite technology to enhance development planning across Benue.

RELATED: BDIC and partners deploy satellite and signal infrastructure to strengthen border security in Benue State

The agreement will enable the application of cutting-edge satellite and geospatial technologies to advance key developmental goals.

In the signing ceremony held in Abuja,  Terwase Gbande-Hembaor, Managing Director/CEO of BDIC led his team. Dr. Matthew Olumide Adepoju, Director General of NASRDA represented the satellite organisation.

Dr. Adepoju described the partnership as “bold and visionary’.” He emphasised the transformative role of satellite-based intelligence in enhancing early-warning systems, conflict prevention, and rapid response. The collaboration is poised to unlock new levels of data-driven decision-making in areas such as agriculture, urban planning, and security.

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Key Objectives of the BDIC-NASRDA Partnership

  1. Deployment of Space Technology for Development
    NASRDA will support Benue’s developmental priorities using advanced space technology aligned with BDIC’s digital infrastructure mandate.

  2. Establishment of a Benue Space Centre
    A dedicated Space Centre will be established in collaboration with the Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, serving as a hub for satellite research and innovation.

  3. Capacity Building and Strategic Training
    BDIC staff and state government officials will receive specialized training on using satellite data for governance, resource management, and digital transformation.

  4. Real-Time Satellite Data Sharing
    The agreement facilitates data exchange to support precision agriculture, land use planning, urban development, and infrastructure expansion across Benue State.

  5. Joint Technical Engagements
    Both agencies will organize workshops, technical forums, and knowledge-sharing events to mainstream space science into governance and security frameworks.

Applications of Satellite Technology in Benue

With Benue known as Nigeria’s food basket, this partnership opens doors for wide-scale precision agriculture.  The new opportunities include:

  • Crop Health Monitoring: Early detection of diseases and pest outbreaks.
  • Yield Forecasting: Improved planning through historical and real-time data.
  • Precision Irrigation: Efficient water use with sensor and weather-based insights.

“This collaboration holds immense promise for Benue’s future,” said Gbande-Hembaor.

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“From transforming our agricultural landscape to strengthening our security infrastructure with satellite and drone intelligence, Benue is setting a new benchmark in subnational digital innovation.”

He also reaffirmed Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia’s vision of an innovation-led government focused on safety, economic resilience, and 21st-century readiness.

With this MoU, Benue becomes one of Nigeria’s first states to institutionalize satellite technology in public sector governance and security management.

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