Introduction
The National Space Research And Development Agency (NASRDA) convened stakeholders in geospatial data production, management, and utilization for a national workshop in Abuja, Nigeria, from 19th to 22nd March 2024. The workshop, with financial support from Dev-Afrique Development Advisors, aimed to review and harmonize the National Geoinformation Policy and the National Geospatial Data Infrastructure (NGDI) Bill, recognizing the spatial nature of information crucial for planning and national development.
Objective of the Workshop
The workshop aimed to review and harmonize the draft National Geoinformation Policy and the National Geospatial Data Infrastructure (NGDI) Bill of 2021.
Activities
1. The workshop was inaugurated by the Honorable Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, represented by Professor Nanyelugo Ike-Muonso.
2. The Honorable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, delivered a message stressing the importance of geospatial information for national development.
3. Goodwill messages were delivered by Ms. Mollie van Gordon, representing the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
4. The workshop included syndicate group deliberations, presentations, and interactive sessions. Suggestions, resolutions, and recommendations were made for updating the draft Policy and Bill.
5. At the workshop’s conclusion, the stakeholder NGDI Technical Committee was inaugurated by the Honorable Minister for Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu.
Resolutions
· Participants emphasized the necessity of a National Geoinformation Policy and enabling legislation for the successful implementation of NGDI.
· They highlighted the importance of coordinated production and distribution of geospatial data through the Geospatial Data Infrastructure (GDI).
· The objective of NGDI is to facilitate cooperation among stakeholders at various levels and sectors.
· It was recommended that the draft NGDI Policy and Bill processes be jointly managed by relevant ministries for effective coordination.
· Stakeholders were urged to ensure metadata collection alongside geospatial dataset production.
· Critical amendments were proposed for the draft NGDI Policy and Bill.
· Stakeholders were encouraged to align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President.
Recommendations
· Establish a stakeholder Legal Sub-Committee to update the draft Bill.
· Route the NGDI Bill through the Federal Ministry of Justice.
· Collaborate with National Assembly and Executive Council Members for funding.
· Develop a comprehensive work plan and monitoring framework for NGDI activities.
· Promote research, awareness, and capacity building for NGDI implementation.
· Include the Standards Organization of Nigeria in the NGDI Working Group on Standards.
Presentation of Certificates
Certificates of participation were presented to all workshop attendees to recognize their valuable contributions and commitment to advancing geospatial data infrastructure and national development.
Conclusion
The workshop provided a platform for stakeholders to review and harmonize the NGDI framework, with resolutions and recommendations aimed at advancing geospatial data infrastructure for national development
%20WORKSHOP){kind=link}