The Director General, National Space Research and Development Agency, NASRDA, Dr. Halilu Ahmad Shaba has stressed the need for the funding of Space-based cybersecurity Research and innovation within Nigeria, for the development of indigenous solutions and expertise.
Dr. Shaba who was represented by the Director, Strategic Space Applications, Dr. Matthew Adepoju, made this remark while delivering a paper on “Policing and Building Cyberspace Capabilities for National Security and Economic Prosperity”, during the 6TH edition of the Nigeria Security Exhibition and Conference, NISEC Expo, at the Abuja International Conference Centre.
He explained the need for African entrepreneurs and researchers to collaborate with global players for globally tested solutions and homegrown approaches to address identified cyberspace security problems.
Dr Shaba stated that the transnational nature of cyber threats requires Nigeria to foster international corporations and participate in global cybersecurity partnerships to collectively combat cybercrime.
The NASRDA boss who stated that space exploration is the origin of cyberspace, reiterated the need for geospatial intelligence in policing and building cyberspace capabilities for national security and economic prosperity.
He however urged major stakeholders in the field of cyber security to develop a national cyber security strategy and strengthen cyber security regulations and frameworks for the realisation of a secured cyberspace.
During the main exhibition, the Director, Advanced Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Laboratory, Uburu, one of the laboratories of the Agency, Engr. Chichebe Akachukwu, gave an expository on the drones built and displayed by NASRDA.
He stated that the drones, which are undergoing patenting, are relevant for agriculture, surveillance, border and pipeline monitoring and military purposes.
Engr. Chichebe said that drone technology is one of the top notch innovations, trending across the globe, stating that the development has spurred the Space Agency to engage in research around it, leading to the production of multiple drones, fully designed in Nigeria by NASRDA engineers.
He however advocated for a unified platform where the drone technology can be demystified for easy assimilation by secondary school students and other drone enthusiasts.
Nigeria Security Exhibition and Conference, (NISEC Expo), is Africa’s leading continental Defence and Security show that brings together stakeholders in the security and defence sector, to present their enterprises for both buyers and end-users.
Below are some sights from the event.
Ninma Yacim
Media and Corporate Communications
