🇳🇬 Nigeria Must Harness Space Power To Strengthen National Security, CDS Emphasises

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has called for sustained investment in indigenous space technology, research and innovation, identifying space-based capabilities as an increasingly important component of Nigeria’s national security and the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces.

Desk: Defence & Security
Date: October 9, 2026
Time: 15:30 WAT
Location: Abuja, Nigeria

General Oluyede made the call on Friday, October 9, 2026, at the inaugural Defence Space Administration (DSA) Day Celebration, held at General Leo Irabor Hall under the theme “Space Power and National Security.” 

A statement by the Director, Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the CDS urged the DSA to strengthen local research and development and improve the integration of space-based products into military operations.

The CDS commended the Administration’s achievements, including 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.

He charged the DSA to improve the reliability and security of its space-based products while deepening their integration into joint and inter-agency military operations. The emphasis reflects the growing importance of reliable space-enabled capabilities to intelligence gathering, operational planning and coordination as the Armed Forces respond to emerging security challenges.

General Oluyede also underscored the need for stronger collaboration among the Armed Forces, academic institutions, industries and relevant national agencies to accelerate indigenous innovation and expand Nigeria’s capacity to use space technology for defence and national development.

In his welcome address, the Chief of Defence Space Administration, Major General Philip Ilodibia, stressed the importance of closer cooperation among the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force to improve joint operational effectiveness. He also called for sustained collaboration with the National Space Research and Development Agency, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited and other stakeholders to advance the country’s space capabilities in support of security and development.

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

🏷️ Tags: Zig Press Release, Defence Space Administration, Olufemi Oluyede, Space Technology, National Security, Nigerian Armed Forces

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