NEMA Receives 91 Starlink Terminals to Boost Disaster Response Operations
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has received 91 Starlink satellite communication terminals donated by the Starlink SpaceX Crisis Response Team to strengthen Nigeria’s disaster preparedness, emergency communication, and response capabilities.
The donation followed a series of engagements initiated by NEMA with the technology company as part of efforts to explore innovative solutions for improving emergency communication and coordination during disaster situations across the country.
As part of activities marking the donation, the Director-General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, led a delegation from SpaceX on a courtesy visit to Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Speaking during the visit, Vice President Shettima commended the partnership between NEMA and Starlink, describing it as a strategic collaboration that would significantly enhance emergency coordination and disaster response efforts nationwide.
The Vice President also praised NEMA for embracing innovative technologies aimed at improving disaster management and humanitarian interventions.
Earlier, the Director-General of NEMA expressed appreciation to the SpaceX Starlink Crisis Response Team for the donation, noting that the satellite internet terminals would help address critical communication challenges often encountered during emergency operations, particularly in remote and underserved communities.
Mrs. Umar said the equipment would support the operations of NEMA’s National Emergency Coordination and Communication Centre and strengthen real-time communication, operational coordination, and emergency response management across the country.
According to her, reliable communication remains a critical component of effective disaster management, especially during emergencies where conventional communication infrastructure may be disrupted.
On his part, the representative of SpaceX Starlink, Mr. Peter Kroetger, commended Nigeria’s commitment to disaster management and acknowledged NEMA’s institutional capacity and dedication to emergency preparedness and response.
He expressed confidence that the donated facilities would enhance the agency’s ability to coordinate emergency operations and provide timely assistance to affected communities during disasters.
The donation is expected to improve connectivity and communication capabilities for emergency responders, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, while strengthening Nigeria’s overall disaster management architecture.Suggested Caption:
Vice President Kashim Shettima (middle), NEMA Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar (left), and SpaceX Starlink representative, Mr. Peter Kroetger, during the presentation of 91 Starlink communication terminals donated to NEMA to enhance disaster preparedness and emergency response operations in Nigeria.
By TimesNG