The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah has called for sustain collaboration between the military and Defence Space Administration that has an important role to play in modern warfare.
Pheelangwah made the call during a visit to the Defence Space Administration’s Management and facilities in Abuja in continuation of defence ministry drive to strengthen institutional effectiveness and provide administrative oversight , according to a statement by
Queenet Iheoma-Hart signed for Director, Press & Public Relations.
The Permanent Secretary noted that the Defence Space Administration is such a highly professionalised and technologically driven domain that plays an important role in the modern warfare, especially in its ability to exploit and analyse imageries, satellite data and geospatial information, which are necessary for the assessment and description of physical features and geographically referenced activities on earth.
He acknowledged the strategic role of DSA on the function of Nigerian Armed Forces in maintaining the nation’s defense architecture and safeguarding its sovereignty, he disclosed that the accomplishments of DSA has placed it at a competitive status locally and globally.
He therefore called for a sustained collaboration with the Ministry and other sister Agencies to consolidate on these gains.
While pledging the ministry’s continued support to ameliorating some of the challenges being faced by the DSA, especially some of its long term projects, the Permanent Secretary reiterated the need for stronger military–civilian collaboration, targeted development in training capabilities, prudence in financial management and transparency in line with financial regulations.
He also recognised the leadership support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu , GCFR, as well as the guidance and encouragement of the Honourable Ministers of Defence in piloting the affairs of the Ministry.
Earlier in his speech, the Chief of Defence Space Administration, Major General Phillip Ilodibia appreciated the ministry for its support to the DSA over the years.
He pointed out some challenges such as lack of comfortable and adequate accommodation for Officers; paucity of funds, as well as the administration being left out in the provision of advisory role to some government activities.
He, however proposed to the leadership of the ministry that issues of national security relating to space should be left for DSA to handle while other entities in the space ecosystem should focus on non military and non security issues.
The Permanent Secretary’s team and the principal Staff Officers DSA were shown round the facilities such as the Geospatial Intelligence, fusion and Data Centre, the Cyber centre and the Laboratory.