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The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwah, has called for sustained inter-agency collaboration to consolidate Nigeria’s growing capabilities in space-based defence operations, following a high-level familiarisation visit to the Defence Space Administration (DSA) in Abuja.
During the visit on Wednesday, Pheelangwah underscored the critical importance of the DSA in modern warfare, describing it as a highly specialised and technology-driven institution central to national security architecture. He noted that the Administration’s capacity to exploit satellite imagery, geospatial intelligence, and data analytics has become indispensable in assessing terrain, tracking activities, and supporting strategic military decisions.
“The Defence Space Administration occupies a pivotal position in safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty,” Pheelangwah stated, adding that its operational achievements have elevated the country’s standing within both local and global defence ecosystems.
He further emphasized the need for deeper synergy between the Ministry of Defence, the DSA, and other relevant agencies, arguing that coordinated efforts are essential to sustaining recent gains in defence innovation and operational efficiency.
Reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment, the Permanent Secretary pledged continued support toward addressing key institutional challenges, particularly long-term project funding and infrastructure development. He also advocated for enhanced military-civilian collaboration, improved training frameworks, strict adherence to financial prudence, and transparency in line with established public sector regulations.
Pheelangwah acknowledged the leadership backing of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as the guidance of the Ministers of Defence, in steering reforms and strengthening the Ministry’s operational mandate.
Earlier, the Chief of Defence Space Administration, Phillip Ilodibia, expressed appreciation for the Ministry’s sustained support, while drawing attention to pressing challenges confronting the agency. He cited inadequate accommodation for personnel, funding constraints, and the Administration’s limited involvement in advisory roles on certain government initiatives.
Ilodibia advocated for a clearer delineation of responsibilities within Nigeria’s space ecosystem, proposing that all matters relating to national security in space be exclusively handled by the DSA, while other institutions focus on non-military and civilian applications.
The visit featured an extensive tour of the Administration’s key operational facilities, including its Geospatial Intelligence Fusion and Data Centre, Cyber Centre, and advanced laboratory units—critical hubs underpinning Nigeria’s evolving defence space capabilities.
Analysts say the engagement signals renewed momentum toward integrating space technology into Nigeria’s broader defence strategy, amid increasing reliance on data-driven security systems in contemporary military operations.
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