National Centre for Remote Sensing (NRCS) The desire by Nigeria to establish its own comprehensive Remote Sensing Centre dates back to 1976, when the Government first made its intentions known during an Inter-Governmental meeting held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Prior to this pronouncement, several studies undertaken on-behalf of the Government have indicated the need for such a centre to be centrally located. One of such studies was carried out by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO).
Thus, in 1998, following a decision by the National Council of Ministers, approval was given for a National Centre for Remote Sensing to be established, with its Permanent Headquarters in Jos, and a Satellite Ground Receiving Station at Kerang, near Panyam, Plateau State (site of the defunct Aerostat Balloon project Ref. CM (88) 63,8th Meeting conclusion 5 and CM (88) 175 Meeting of National Council of Ministers.
In 1992, decree 33 established the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) as a replacement for the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology which became defunct the previous year. NASENI was charged with the responsibility to establish the National Centre for Remote Sensing, amongst other mandates.
Thus, the National Centre for Remote Sensing which formally took off in October 1995 now operates under the aegis of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA).
Mandates of NCRS
The National Centre for Remote Sensing is charged with the following mandates:
- To undertake pure and applied research, development and to operate Ground Receiving Station capable of receiving data from various satellite systems.
- To undertake action-oriented research and development with the application of RS/GIS technologies.
- To undertake promotional activities such as Conferences, seminars, Workshops, production of Newsletters etc. on the practical applications of Remote Sensing.
- Conduct training programmes for the benefit of resource planners, managers, decision-makers, researchers and the general public.
- To promote and sponsor local development of inventory of natural resources (e.g. solid minerals, petroleum, forestry etc.) and provide data for environmental monitoring and management.
- To encourage and assist public/private sector users to establish in-house Remote Sensing and GIS outfits, and render Consultancy and Extension Services to such outfits and other organizations.
- To develop joint programmes with any public or private organization whose objectives are in line with national interests for economic development, especially in the field of Remote Sensing, GIS and GPS technologies.
- To generate income through services and sale of products developed by the
Vision: NCRS is committed to being a Centre of excellence in the provision of Geo-informatic services for sustainable Development.
Mission: Advancing knowledge through research and applications of Remote Sensing, GIS and related technologies for the identification, inventory, development and management of natural and human resources.
Core Values
- Professionalism
- Integrity
- Teamwork
- Excellence
For more info, visit www.central.nasrda.gov.ng
