Nigeria Advances USD 3.9 Million Geodetic VLBI Project, a First for West Africa
Nigeria is set to establish a Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) facility at the Centre for Geodesy and Geodynamics in Toro, Bauchi State, marking a significant step in advancing the nation’s space science capabilities. Led by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), the initiative places Nigeria among a select group of countries operating such advanced infrastructure. Once completed, it will stand as West Africa’s first and the continent’s second geodetic VLBI facility, joining South Africa’s Hartebeesthoek site.
Developed in partnership with the Chinese Shanghai Astronomical Observatory (CSAO), the VLBI project will advance Nigeria’s space capabilities in;
- Enabling monitoring of earthquakes, tectonic shifts, and climate change
- Enhancing satellite and spacecraft tracking accuracy
- Establishing Nigeria as a continental leader in space research and technology
- Strengthening Africa’s role in global space science and exploration
Overview of Nigeria’s VLBI Facility
Valued at over NGN 5.8 billion (USD 3.9 million), the facility will feature a state-of-the-art antenna system equipped with an atomic clock for global time synchronisation. It also includes complementary infrastructure such as GNSS, Satellite Laser Ranging, and DORIS platforms, which are designed for Precise Orbit Determination (POD) and high-accuracy ground positioning for satellite tracking. Additionally, a two-storey observatory tower will house operational and maintenance spaces, power backup, and data monitoring systems, forming a complete ecosystem for high-precision scientific observation.
According to Dr Joseph Dodo, Director of NASRDA’s Centre for Geodesy and Geodynamics, the project’s progress was made possible through CSAO’s technical collaboration and the support of the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji. Furthermore, the Minister facilitated a customs duty waiver of NGN 1.8 billion (USD 1.22 billion), ensuring the timely importation of critical equipment.
Installation is now in its final stages, with Chinese and NASRDA engineers working jointly to complete the setup ahead of the official commissioning scheduled for December 2025. Additionally, construction began in November 2024, with senior Nigerian and Chinese officials attending the groundbreaking ceremony, marking the transition from design to implementation of the project in collaboration with China’s Shanghai Astronomical Observatory.
Understanding VLBI and Its Relevance to Africa
Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) is a radio astronomy and geodesy technique that links multiple antennas across vast distances to observe the same celestial radio source simultaneously. By precisely measuring the time difference in signals received, it determines exact positions on Earth and in space with millimetre accuracy. For Africa, VLBI is crucial for strengthening continental geodesy networks, enhancing seismic monitoring, and improving the precision of satellite navigation systems.
In Africa, South Africa’s Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory has demonstrated how VLBI strengthens the continent’s scientific and geospatial capabilities. Its data contribute to global reference frames used in mapping, navigation, and Earth monitoring, helping track continental drift and inform climate and seismic studies. Ghana’s Kutunse Radio Telescope, although focused on astronomy, enhances Africa’s participation in global VLBI networks by building technical expertise and positioning the continent as an emerging contributor to precision science and space infrastructure through international collaboration.
Additionally, both sites have played a key role in training radio astronomers across Africa, contributing to the continent’s growing capacity in radio astronomy and related sciences.