Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has emphasised the significance of innovation and emerging technologies in addressing the nation’s complex security challenges.
Speaking at the launch of the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Accelerator Programme 2.0 Cohort in Abuja, General Musa, represented by the Chief of Defence Transformation and Innovation, AVM Nkem Aguiyi, highlighted the growing synergy between national defence and technological advancement.
According to him, the “ Defence Headquarters recognises the undeniable link between national security and technological advancement, especially in today’s rapidly evolving global environment.”
“From the adoption of state-of-the-art communication, surveillance and secure military systems, which has been central to our operational strategies, to satellite-enabled surveillance and secure military communications to AI-driven threat analysis and remote reconnaissance, our operations increasingly rely on innovations driven by Nigeria’s tech ecosystem,” he said.
The CDS reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ readiness to collaborate with technology-based enterprises, research institutions, and industry leaders in the co-creation of solutions that will promote peace and stability across the country.
“I am particularly pleased with the emphasis on AI, space technology and digital transformation. These areas are critical domains that will define the future of our defence and security architecture.”
He further called for collaborative efforts in supporting young startups beyond the launch event.
“Let us create platforms for training, provide access to funding, and build the infrastructure that will allow their ideas to flourish. We can unlock the full potential of our nation’s brightest minds through sustained partnerships.”
Space technology
Also speaking, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Ltd, Jane Idehen, highlighted the significance of Investing in Space technology to advance national development.
According to her, “placing space technology in the hands of Nigeria’s brightest innovators is a bold step towards achieving sustainable national development.
“Nigeria was one of the first in Africa to launch a communication satellite, so if you look at the talent pool, we probably have the most experienced engineers in that sector. So when we talk about harnessing the space sector for national development, I don’t think we should shy away, I think we should lead the discussion in today’s digital economy where space is no longer a distant frontier,” she said.
She reiterated her agency’s commitment to supporting startups to flourish in Space Tech.
“We’ve shown that we can raise startups to become a one billion dollar company, and export that to other countries, even in the West. So it’s also possible in the space sector.
“Our commitment goes beyond inspiration. So the programme for us will support early-stage space tech ventures through tailored incubation. It will facilitate strategic partnerships between startups, academia and industry.
“Significantly, it will champion solutions that address critical national priorities, from broadband access to environmental monitoring and smart agriculture. So to our new cohort and entrepreneurs, I think this is your moment,” she said.
With the theme “Innovation in Orbit: Empowering the Next Generation of Space-Tech Entrepreneurs,” the 2025 cohort focused on catalysing innovation in agriculture, healthcare, climate resilience, education, robotics, logistics, and digital infrastructure.
The NIGCOMSAT Accelerator Programme is implemented in collaboration with strategic partners, including the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), private sector experts, investors, and innovation ecosystem builders.