The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has urged Nigeria to invest in indigenous space technology and research to strengthen military intelligence, improve operational effectiveness and tackle emerging national security threats.
Oluyede made the call on Friday, October 9, 2026, at the inaugural Defence Space Administration (DSA) Day celebration at General Leo Irabor Hall, held under the theme, “Space Power and National Security”.
The defence chief stressed the need for sustained investment in local research, technological innovation and the development of secure space-based capabilities to support the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
He commended the Defence Space Administration for its achievements, including the launch of DelSat-1, the establishment of geospatial intelligence infrastructure and the deployment of a Modular Earth Observation Outpost at the headquarters of Operation HADIN KAI.
He also highlighted the commencement of academic activities at the Defence Space School in Orogun as an important step towards developing the expertise needed to advance Nigeria’s defence space programme.
Oluyede charged the administration to strengthen indigenous research and development, improve the reliability and security of space-based products, and integrate them more effectively into joint military and inter-agency operations.
He said closer collaboration among the Armed Forces, academic institutions, industries and relevant government agencies was essential to accelerating local innovation and expanding the country’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, called for stronger cooperation among the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force to improve joint operational effectiveness.
Ilodibia also advocated sustained collaboration with the National Space Research and Development Agency, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited and other stakeholders to strengthen Nigeria’s space capabilities.
The inaugural DSA Day celebration focused on the role of space technology in national security and the need to build domestic capabilities that can support military operations and broader national development.
