By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has called for sustained investment in indigenous space technology, research and innovation to strengthen Nigeria’s national security and enhance the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).
Oluyede made the call on Friday, October 9, 2026, at the inaugural Defence Space Administration (DSA) Day Celebration held at the General Leo Irabor Hall, Abuja, under the theme, “Space Power and National Security.”
According to an official statement signed by the Director, Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the CDS stressed the need for Nigeria to develop its indigenous space capabilities to address emerging security challenges and support military operations.
He commended the DSA for its achievements, particularly 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, Orogun.
The CDS charged the Administration to strengthen indigenous research and development, improve the reliability and security of space-based products, and deepen their integration into joint and inter-agency military operations.
He further underscored the importance of collaboration among the Armed Forces, academic institutions, industries and relevant national agencies to accelerate indigenous innovation and expand Nigeria’s capacity to harness space technology for defence and national development.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Defence Space Administration, Major General Philip Ilodibia, called for stronger synergy among the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force to improve joint operational effectiveness.
Ilodibia also emphasised the need for sustained collaboration with the National Space Research and Development Agency, the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited and other stakeholders to advance Nigeria’s space capabilities in support of national security and development.
The event 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, wife of the late former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal AS Badeh (rtd.); and former Chief of Defence Staff, General AG Olanisakin (rtd.), among other dignitaries.
