Abuja:The Defence Space Administration (DSA) is being encouraged to bolster indigenous space capabilities and improve intelligence gathering and technology integration to enhance military operations in Nigeria. This directive was issued by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, during the first-ever Defence Space Administration Day celebration.
Accourding to News Agency of Nigeria, Gen. Oluyede emphasized the importance of space-based technologies in modern warfare, highlighting the need for continuous investment in research, innovation, and human capital development. He urged the DSA to enhance the timeliness and reliability of its products and to ensure their integration into joint military and inter-agency security operations.
The Chief of Defence Staff praised the DSA’s accomplishments, such as the launch of DelSat-1 and the creation of geospatial intelligence infrastructure to aid the Armed Forces. He also noted the establishment of a Modular Earth Observation Outpost at the Joint Task Force headquarters in North East, Operation HADIN KAI, which aims to provide geospatial intelligence to operational commanders.
Earlier, Maj.-Gen. Philip Ilodibia, Chief of the Defence Space Administration, stated that space technology is crucial for military effectiveness. He pointed out that military superiority now relies on acquiring timely intelligence and coordinating operations across multiple domains, beyond conventional platforms.
Ilodibia advocated for increased collaboration among the Army, Navy, and Air Force to leverage space-enabled intelligence and services. He also called for stronger partnerships with national space institutions like the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) and the Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd. (NIGCOMSAT).
NASRDA Director-General Prof. Matthew Adepoju expressed the agency’s commitment to collaborating with the DSA to advance Nigeria’s space capabilities. He mentioned the approval of spaceport facilities in Ekwe by the National Space Council and highlighted the benefits of a joint research facility shared with the DSA.
Senate Committee on Defence Chairman Sen. Ahmed Lawan and House of Representatives Committee on Defence Chairman Rep. Babajimi Benson both underscored the strategic importance of space capabilities for the military. They pledged legislative support to enhance the DSA’s operational capacity and called for accountability and prudent use of public resources.
NIGCOMSAT Managing Director Jane Egerton-Idehen reiterated the company’s commitment to partnership with the DSA, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among Nigeria’s space institutions to improve satellite communications and connectivity.
Former Chief of Defence Staff retired Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin urged continued development of Nigeria’s space and cyber capabilities, recalling the early days of the DSA’s operations and the construction of dedicated facilities. The celebration also included a seminar on ‘Space Power and National Security,’ highlighting the role of space technology in strengthening Nigeria’s defense capabilities.