By Nkechi Eze
The Ministry of Defence has intensified efforts to integrate space technology into Nigeria’s security framework, announcing plans to deepen collaboration with the National Space Research and Development Agency to strengthen intelligence gathering and enhance military operations across the country.
The Honourable Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, disclosed this when he received a delegation from NASRDA led by its Director-General, Matthew O. Adepoju, during a courtesy visit to the Ministry’s headquarters at Ship House in Abuja on Wednesday.
According to a statement signed by the Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations, Enderline Chukwu, the minister emphasised that modern security threats require proactive and intelligence-driven responses, noting that space-based assets would significantly enhance Nigeria’s operational capacity.
He explained that satellite-enabled surveillance, radar imaging and signal analytics would improve situational awareness, help identify criminal routes and hideouts, and provide more effective operational support to troops engaged in counter-terrorism, anti-banditry and border security operations.
The minister stressed the importance of closer synergy between NASRDA and the Defence Space Administration to ensure seamless integration of space-based capabilities into military planning and execution.
“Proactive, intelligence-driven operations are critical to defeating terrorism, banditry and trans-border crimes,” Musa said, assuring of the Ministry’s commitment to leveraging technological innovations to strengthen national security.
Earlier, Adepoju highlighted Nigeria’s existing space infrastructure and international partnerships, revealing that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved the procurement process for additional satellites, including radar-based systems, to reinforce the country’s security architecture.
He noted that the agency had already developed proposals for enhanced border surveillance and real-time intelligence support designed to improve environmental monitoring and operational effectiveness.
Both parties agreed to harmonise their activities, eliminate duplication of roles, and establish a coordinated framework for deploying space-based assets in support of national security operations.
The meeting ended with a mutual commitment to accelerate collaboration and fully utilise space technology in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against insecurity.
Also present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Richard Pheelangwa, and the Director of Joint Services Department, Mrs Bosede Olaniyi.
