Odita Sunday 
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwah, has called for sustained collaboration with the Defence Space Administration (DSA) to strengthen national security and institutional efficiency.
Pheelangwah made the call during a familiarisation visit to the Administration’s management and facilities on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in Abuja.
He described the Defence Space Administration as a highly professional and technologically driven domain critical to modern warfare.
According to him, the agency plays a vital role in exploiting and analysing imageries, satellite data and geospatial information necessary for assessing physical features and geographically referenced activities on earth.
He acknowledged the strategic role of the Administration in supporting the Nigerian Armed Forces in maintaining the nation’s defence architecture and safeguarding its sovereignty.
Pheelangwah said the Administration’s accomplishments have placed it in a competitive position both locally and globally, and therefore called for sustained collaboration with the Ministry and other sister agencies.
He pledged the Ministry’s continued support in addressing challenges facing the agency, particularly its long-term projects.
The Permanent Secretary also stressed the need for stronger military-civilian collaboration, improved training capacity, prudent financial management and transparency in line with existing regulations.
He further recognised the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as well as the guidance of the Ministers of Defence.
Earlier, the Chief of Defence Space Administration, Major General Phillip Ilodibia, appreciated the Ministry for its support over the years.
Ilodibia identified challenges including inadequate accommodation for officers, funding constraints and the exclusion of the Administration from advisory roles in some government activities.
He proposed that issues relating to national security in space should be handled by the DSA, while other entities focus on non-military responsibilities.
The Permanent Secretary and his team were later conducted round key facilities including the Geospatial Intelligence, Fusion and Data Centre, Cyber Centre and Laboratory.
About the Author
