CDS Urges Nigeria to Harness Space Technology for National Security
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has called for sustained investment in indigenous space technology, research and innovation to strengthen Nigeria’s national security and improve the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces.
Oluyede made the call on Friday at the inaugural Defence Space Administration (DSA) Day celebration held at General Leo Irabor Hall, with the theme, “Space Power and National Security”.
He urged the DSA to deepen local research and development, enhance the reliability and security of space-based products, and ensure their effective integration into joint and inter-agency military operations to address emerging security threats.
The CDS commended the administration’s achievements, including 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.
He stressed that strengthening Nigeria’s indigenous space capabilities was critical to developing effective defence solutions and improving the military’s capacity to respond to evolving security challenges.
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Oluyede also called for stronger collaboration among the Armed Forces, academic institutions, industries and relevant government agencies to accelerate technological innovation and expand the country’s capacity to deploy space technology for defence and national development.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Defence Space Administration, Major General Philip Ilodibia, emphasised the need for greater synergy among the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force to enhance joint operational effectiveness.
Ilodibia also advocated sustained collaboration with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) and other stakeholders to advance Nigeria’s space capabilities in support of national security and development.
The event was attended by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmed Lawan; the Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Senator Babajimi Benson; Mrs Mary Iya Badeh, widow of the late former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal AS Badeh (retd.); and former Chief of Defence Staff, General AG Olonisakin (retd.), among other dignitaries.
The celebration highlighted the growing importance of space-based capabilities in modern military operations, particularly in intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance and operational coordination.
By PRNigeria
