The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has emphasised the strategic importance of space technology in strengthening Nigeria’s national security and defence capabilities.
This was the focus of the 12th Defence Space Administration (DSA) Day celebration, held at the Administration’s Headquarters in Abuja, themed, “Space Power and National Security.”
Speaking at the event, the Director General and Chief Executive of NASRDA, Prof. Matthew Adepoju, commended the DSA for its contributions to Nigeria’s space programme and national defence, calling for deeper collaboration to maximise the strategic value of space technology.
Prof Adepoju stressed the need for stronger partnerships between NASRDA and the Armed Forces in deploying satellite technology in Earth observation for intelligence gathering, surveillance and security operations.
He also advocated sustained investment in indigenous space technology, research and innovation to enhance Nigeria’s capacity to tackle evolving security threats.
Speaking earlier, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, highlighted the growing significance of space power in modern warfare, emphasising the need to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to harness satellite data for intelligence gathering, operational efficiency for timely response to security threats.
In his address, the Chief of Defence Space Administration, Major General Philip Ilodibia, described the annual celebration as an important platform for showcasing the DSA’s achievements and advancing its mandate of applying space technology to national defence.
According to him, satellite technology could improve intelligence gathering, enhance situational awareness and support effective military planning and operations.
Major General Ilodibia stressed the importance of strengthening inter-agency collaboration, investing in research and innovation, and developing indigenous capabilities to ensure that Nigeria effectively harnesses space power in safeguarding its territorial integrity and national interests.
Also speaking, Former President of the Senate and Chairman Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmad Lawan, pointed out the importance of effective policies, legislative support and sustained research funding in advancing Nigeria’s defence space capabilities.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), Jane Egerton-Idehen, highlighted the critical role of satellite communications in securing military communications and supporting operations in remote locations.
She called for stronger collaboration among NASRDA, NIGCOMSAT and the DSA to enhance connectivity and strengthen national security operations.
The event reinforced the need for coordinated action among defence institutions, space institutions as well as policymakers to harness space-based technologies for surveillance, border monitoring, disaster response and strategic decision-making.
Below are pictures from the event.
Reporter: Daniel Mboyi
Editor: Monica Jiya
Photo Credit: Ibrahim Zakari
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