In a bid to effectively pursue research and astronomical activities for development in Nigeria, the Director General, National Space Research and Development Agency, Dr Halilu Shaba, has emphasised the need for Building and Operating the first Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) to carry out research to monitor and predict geo-hazards, using Space Geodetic and Geophysical techniques.

He made this statement at the technical presentation and signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Center for Geodesy and Geodynamics (CGG), an activity Centre of NASRDA and the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China (SHAO), during a virtual meeting.

During his remarks, the NASRDA boss explained that the MoU is a step in the right direction because the development of a VLBI is a shared vision relevant for research and data transmission, thereby placing the agency in a better position to explore Astronomy.

The Director General expressed delight over the collaboration, saying NASRDA’s commitment to Nigeria is the reason for the MoU, and the Agency will put in place all that is needed for the practical realisation of mutual objectives, adding that the partnership will no doubt, lead to the beginning of a robust relationship that will birth meaningful dividends for both countries.

The Director General of the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Prof. Zhiqiang Shen, appreciated NASRDA for their positive contribution to the realisation of the MoU and enthusiasm over the newly formed partnership.

Prof. Shen reaffirmed the support of SHAO towards the actualisation of the goals of the MoU, stating that the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory China is delighted to cooperate with NASRDA, especially in the area of providing the VBLI Global Observation System (VGOS).

He promised that the collaborative relationship established between NASRDA and SHAO would yield positive results in subsequent years and strengthen the partnership with the agency to guarantee the desired results for both parties.