By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Defence Space Administration (CDSA), Major General P. O. Ilodibia, has paid a courtesy visit to the Director General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Matthew Olumide Adepoju, as part of efforts to strengthen strategic cooperation within Nigeria’s space ecosystem. The visit took place on Friday, November 14, 2025, at NASRDA’s headquarters in Abuja.
According to an official statement issued by the Defence Space Administration’s Public Relations Officer, Major Funmilayo Bukola Bamisaye, Major General Ilodibia expressed appreciation to the NASRDA Director General for the agency’s ongoing support. He further stressed the need for deeper collaboration, particularly in satellite development, data sharing, and space-based intelligence to enhance national defence operations and disaster management capabilities.
Highlighting the priorities of the Defence Space Administration, Major General Ilodibia disclosed the Administration’s interest in deploying military payloads on the additional Optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites for which NASRDA has already secured approval. He also sought expanded cooperation in research and development, infrastructural projects, human capital development, and the reactivation of the joint coordination team between both agencies.
Responding, NASRDA Director General, Dr. Adepoju, warmly welcomed the CDSA and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting the Defence Space Administration. He emphasised the vast potential for joint research projects, capacity-building programmes, and knowledge-sharing initiatives beneficial to both institutions. Dr. Adepoju also highlighted the challenge of insecurity around the agency’s vicinity, noting that strengthened inter-agency collaboration would be valuable in addressing emerging threats.
The visit, Major General Ilodibia’s first official outing since assuming office, underscores the strategic importance of synergy between NASRDA and the Defence Space Administration in advancing Nigeria’s space ambitions, enhancing national security, and improving disaster management readiness.
