Nigeria is seeking to strengthen military operations through satellite technology, intelligence gathering and local research as the military moves to improve its response to emerging security threats.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, called on the Defence Space Administration to expand the development and integration of space-based technologies into military operations during the agency’s inaugural Defence Space Administration Day celebration in Abuja.
Oluyede said space technology had become increasingly important to modern warfare, stressing the need for sustained investment in research, innovation and skilled personnel.
He urged the agency to improve the speed, reliability and security of its services while ensuring that intelligence gathered through space technology was integrated into joint military operations and cooperation among security agencies.
The defence chief highlighted the agency’s achievements, including the launch of DelSat-1 and the development of geospatial intelligence infrastructure to support the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies.
He also cited the establishment of a Modular Earth Observation Outpost at the headquarters of Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, which brings geospatial intelligence capabilities closer to military commanders operating in the region.
The Chief of Defence Space Administration, Maj.-Gen. Philip Ilodibia, said military effectiveness increasingly depended on timely intelligence, secure communications and real-time awareness of developments on the battlefield.
Ilodibia called for stronger coordination among the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force to maximise the use of satellite-enabled surveillance, communications and geospatial intelligence in military operations.
He also stressed the need for closer collaboration with the National Space Research and Development Agency and Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited to strengthen the country’s space capabilities.
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The Director-General of NASRDA, Prof. Matthew Adepoju, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to joint research, technical cooperation, training and knowledge sharing to develop Nigeria’s domestic space technology capacity.
Adepoju disclosed that the National Space Council had approved plans to develop spaceport facilities in Ekwe to support space transportation, propulsion research and related activities.
He said stronger cooperation among NASRDA, the Defence Space Administration and NIGCOMSAT would help align scientific research with military requirements and satellite communications needs.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Ahmed Lawan, called for accountability and prudent management of public funds invested in defence space technology.
Lawan said investments in the sector should produce measurable improvements in military operations, adding that the National Assembly would provide legislative support and oversight to strengthen the Defence Space Administration.
The initiative comes as Nigeria seeks to expand its domestic technological capabilities and improve coordination between military and civilian space agencies to support intelligence gathering, surveillance and secure communications.
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Cecilia Attah is a tech analyst with a degree from Benue State University. She covers tech news and startups at TechRegard with a focus on how technology is transforming Africa and shaping the global landscape.
