The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has called for sustained investment in Nigeria’s indigenous space technology, research and innovation to strengthen national security and improve the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).
Oluyede made the call during the inaugural Defence Space Administration (DSA) Day celebration, held under the theme, “Space Power and National Security.”
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the CDS commended the Defence Space Administration for its achievements in advancing Nigeria’s defence-related space capabilities.
He particularly praised the launch of DelSat-1, the establishment of geospatial intelligence infrastructure, the deployment of a Modular Earth Observation Outpost at the Headquarters of Operation HADIN KAI, and the commencement of academic activities at the Defence Space School in Orogun.
The CDS urged the administration to strengthen indigenous research and development to enable Nigeria to develop more of its own space technologies and reduce dependence on external solutions.
He also called for improved reliability and security of space-based products, stressing the need to integrate such technologies more effectively into joint military operations and cooperation among security agencies.
According to him, greater investment in space technology would help the Armed Forces respond more effectively to emerging security threats and improve their capacity to gather and analyse intelligence for military operations.
Oluyede further emphasised the importance of stronger partnerships among the Armed Forces, academic institutions, industries and relevant government agencies to accelerate local innovation.
He noted that such collaboration would expand Nigeria’s ability to harness space technology for defence purposes and broader national development.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Defence Space Administration, Major General Philip Ilodibia, called for stronger cooperation among the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force to improve joint operational effectiveness.
Ilodibia also stressed the need for sustained collaboration with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited and other relevant stakeholders.
He explained that stronger partnerships among these institutions would help advance Nigeria’s space capabilities and ensure that space-based technologies provide greater support for national security and development.
The DSA Day celebration highlighted the growing importance of space technology in modern defence operations, particularly in intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance and the coordination of military activities.
The call for sustained investment reflects the need for Nigeria to strengthen its domestic technological capacity and develop reliable space-based solutions to address its security challenges.
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