Vice President Kashim Shettima has praised satellite internet provider Starlink and its parent company, SpaceX, for donating specialised communication equipment to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to support emergency and disaster response operations across Nigeria.
Shettima gave the commendation on Tuesday when he received a delegation from NEMA and SpaceX at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The delegation was led by NEMA Director-General, Hajiya Zubaida Umar.
The Vice President said the partnership between Nigeria and Starlink would significantly improve communication, coordination and response time during emergencies and natural disasters.
According to him, reliable communication is critical during emergency situations, especially during flooding and other disasters that often affect communities across the country.
“Communication na one of the most important tools for emergency response. Partnerships like this one with Starlink will help improve coordination and make emergency interventions faster and more effective,” Shettima said.
He also assured SpaceX that the donated equipment would be properly deployed and used by NEMA personnel across different parts of the country.
NEMA To Deploy Equipment Across 50 Flashpoints
Earlier, NEMA Director-General, Hajiya Zubaida Umar, thanked Starlink for donating high-speed satellite internet devices and data plans to strengthen disaster management efforts nationwide.
She explained that the donation includes 91 standard and mini communication units designed to tackle communication challenges in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
According to her, NEMA plans to deploy the equipment to 50 disaster-prone locations across Nigeria. In addition, the agency’s Command and Control Centre will be upgraded to improve coordination during emergencies.
Umar said the new facilities would help NEMA respond more effectively to disasters and provide better support to affected communities.
SpaceX Commends Nigeria’s Disaster Management Efforts
Speaking on behalf of SpaceX, Mr Peter Kroetger commended Nigeria’s efforts in disaster preparedness and emergency management.
He noted that despite challenges associated with technology adoption, Nigeria has continued to build a strong framework for disaster response.
Kroetger expressed confidence that the technology would be effectively utilised by NEMA to enhance emergency communication and disaster management operations nationwide.
Other officials present at the meeting included NEMA Director of ICT, Mr Justin Uwazuruonye; Director of Search and Rescue, Air Commodore B.A. Usman; and SpaceX representative, Mary Owolabi.
The partnership is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s emergency response capacity and ensure faster communication during disasters, especially in underserved and remote communities.
