Nigeria examines use of space and technology solutions to support elections and national security
Date: 2026-03-13
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
Nigeria’s
Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology has led a high-level delegation
of science and technology agencies on strategic visits to the Independent
National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Ministry of Defence to examine how
technological innovations can support governance, electoral processes, and
national security.
The
delegation included representatives from the National Space Research and
Development Agency (NASRDA), the Federal Institute of Industrial Research,
Oshodi (FIIRO), and the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN).
During
the engagement with INEC, NASRDA Director General Matthew Olumide Adepoju
presented the agency’s capabilities in geospatial intelligence, including
geo-mapping and geofencing of polling units, provision of spatial data, and
analytical insights designed to support electoral planning and management. The
agency also proposed capacity-building initiatives for INEC personnel to
strengthen the deployment of space-based technologies in electoral operations.
The
Energy Commission of Nigeria offered to conduct energy and power audits to help
the electoral commission meet its operational power requirements, while FIIRO
proposed the local fabrication of key equipment to reduce costs and support
Nigeria’s industrial development objectives.
At
the Ministry of Defence, NASRDA highlighted the role of satellite-derived
geospatial intelligence in strengthening national security through real-time
situational awareness and specialized training for defence personnel. FIIRO
also presented locally fabricated camp gas solutions that could be deployed by
soldiers operating in active theatres.
