News
FG Collaborates with Indian Government on Geospatial and Carbon Mapping
FG Collaborates with Indian Government on Geospatial and Carbon Mapping
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government is to collaborate with the Indian Government on geospatial mapping and technical expertise exchange, remote sensing, carbon mapping, and auto imagery.
The collaboration with the Indian government is to be undertaken by Nigeria through the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation.
This was made known when the Surveyor-General, Surv. Abuduganiyu Adebomehin received the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Gangadharan
Balasubramanian on Friday.
The Indian High Commissioner stated that the reason for the visit was to seek collaboration on behalf of the Surveyor General Office of India and the government of Nigeria on the new geospatial policy inaugurated by India, by reaching out to major countries.
He highlighted India’s strength in remote sensing and space capabilities due to the satellite coverage of the country for geographical mapping. He stated that Hydrography, Remote Sensing, Surveying training, and technical expertise exchange are key areas in which both countries can work together.
The Ambassador reiterated the use of Artificial Intelligence to provide auto imagery as India has a high resolution of images. Hence, the proposed collaboration with Nigeria, so there can be harmonization of data sets. He looked forward to receiving a copy Memorandum of Understanding from Nigeria.
He said that India is ready for a partnership and cooperation with Nigeria, and he assured that the pending Memorandum of Understanding on Hydrography between India and Nigeria which is pending would be attended to soon.
Responding, Surveyor-General of the Federation described the office as the only one that defines Nigeria. He affirmed the office is very much available for collaboration in the geospatial area, leveraging India’s strength in joint mapping using their imagery and other related matters. He said now that the Indian government has established its geospatial data infrastructures while Nigeria is still trying to establish its own that is the area the two countries can collaborate.
He said Nigeria can take advantage of India’s satellite to capture the carbon underground and its location so that Nigeria can be proud of what they have. “Another area of the proposal I want India to come in is the area of Agriculture, to see how India’s geospatial data can be applied in the area of foods production and security,” he said.
He said that the office had benefitted from the India technical expertise training in the past and appealed for the reactivation of training as human capacity development is key. He promised that the collaboration would be pursued with all vigour to see how it could be beneficial to both countries.
FG Collaborates with Indian Government on Geospatial and Carbon Mapping
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
By: Michael Mike
As Christians begin Lent and Muslims commence Ramadan, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has urged Nigerians to use the rare overlap of the two sacred seasons to strengthen unity and reject divisive tendencies.
In a statement released on February 18, 2026, the institute described the simultaneous observance as more than a calendar coincidence, calling it a powerful symbol of shared values and collective responsibility in a nation grappling with insecurity and social strain.
IPCR said both seasons—marked by fasting, prayer and reflection—offer an opportunity for citizens to look beyond religious differences and recommit to peaceful coexistence. It stressed that the moral lessons of compassion, self-restraint and generosity embedded in Lent and Ramadan should translate into everyday interactions among Nigerians.
The institute warned against extremist narratives that distort religious teachings for narrow interests, noting that such interpretations undermine national stability. Instead, it encouraged faith leaders and communities to amplify messages that promote tolerance, dialogue and mutual respect.
According to the institute, true spirituality is measured not only by acts of worship but also by how individuals treat neighbours of different beliefs. It added that Nigeria’s diversity should be seen as a strength capable of fostering resilience rather than division.
“With both faiths engaged in solemn reflection at the same time, Nigerians are presented with a timely reminder that we share a common humanity and destiny,” the statement noted, urging citizens to work together toward a more peaceful and prosperous society.
The Director-General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, who signed the statement, extended goodwill wishes to Christians and Muslims, expressing hope that the sacred period would inspire reconciliation, understanding and renewed commitment to national unity.
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
An operative attached to a security unit in Niger State has died following an accidental discharge of a rifle at his duty post in Shiroro Local Government Area.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 10:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the operative, identified as Abubakar Iliya, 35, who was attached to a special hunters unit stationed at Galadiman-Kogo, reportedly fell from a sentry post.
During the fall, his cocked rifle disengaged and discharged, striking him in the abdomen and causing fatal injuries.
His remains were later evacuated by his unit for burial in accordance with customary rites.
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
A canoe conveying seven passengers capsized while in transit between Jata and Kami Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, leaving several persons missing.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 7:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the canoe, carrying six females and one male passenger, overturned during the journey.
The passengers were identified as Mustapher Yakubu; Sahura Yakubu and her child; Zarifa Yakubu; Mommy Yakubu; Lizatu Yakubu; Zaratu Yusuf; and Sumaiya Ibrahim, all from Jata/Bmagara via Kami Village.
Rescue teams, including police and local divers, were immediately mobilised to the scene. The boat driver and his conductor were rescued alive, while search efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining passengers.
Authorities said further updates would be provided as rescue operations continue.
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
Police neutralise two suspected kidnappers, recover rifle in Akwa Ibom
Tragedy in Plateau: Carbon monoxide exposure claims 37 lives at Wase mining site
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