Nigeria must harness space power to strengthen national security — CDS Oluyede

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has called for sustained investment in indigenous space technology, research and innovation to strengthen national security and enhance the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).

Oluyede made the call on Friday at the inaugural Defence Space Administration (DSA) Day celebration in Abuja, with the theme, “Space Power and National Security”.

According to a statement made available to defence correspondents in Abuja by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the CDS commended the DSA for its achievements in advancing Nigeria’s space capabilities.

These achievements included the launch of DelSat-1, the establishment of geospatial intelligence infrastructure, the Modular Earth Observation Outpost at the Headquarters of Operation HADIN KAI, and the commencement of academic activities at the Defence Space School in Orogun.

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The CDS charged the administration to strengthen indigenous research and development, improve the reliability and security of space-based products, and deepen their integration into joint military and inter-agency operations to address emerging security challenges.

He also emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among the Armed Forces, academic institutions, industries and relevant national agencies to accelerate local innovation and expand Nigeria’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, called for stronger synergy among the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force to improve joint operational effectiveness.

Ilodibia also urged sustained collaboration with the National Space Research and Development Agency, the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited and other stakeholders to advance Nigeria’s space capabilities in support of national security and development.

The statement said the event was attended by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmed Lawan; the Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson; Mrs Mary Iya Badeh, widow of the late Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal AS Badeh (rtd.); and former Chief of Defence Staff, General AG Olonisakin (rtd.), among other dignitaries.