WorldStage– The Nigerian Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W. Shaibu, has said the Army remained committed to supporting initiatives that harness space for the benefit of the nation and that it would continue to prioritize partnerships that deepen integration of space capabilities into operational framework and national defence architecture.
He made the commitment at the ongoing event of NIGCOMSAT Satellite Week 2026 holding at Abuja Continental Hotel in a Goodwill Message delivered on his behalf by Maj. Gen. KO Osemwegie, Commander of the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command.
NIGCOMSAT is a government-owned company established in 2006 under the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy. Its primary goal is to manage and operate Nigeria’s communication satellites, providing satellite-based services to the country and beyond.
NSATWK 2026 is Nigeria’s premier platform for the satellite and digital infrastructure sectors, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators to shape the future of space technology.
In the message, the Army Chief commended the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited and all co-organisers for assembling critical stakeholders committed to advancing Nigeria’s space capabilities and harnessing the transformative potential of space technology for national development.
He acknowledged that the presence of government representatives, space scientists, technology innovators, industry experts, academia and strategic partners underscored their collective recognition that space had become an indispensable domain for national progress and security.
He said the theme of this year’s event, “Harnessing Space for an Extraordinary Nigeria,” resonated deeply with the country’s national aspirations and the strategic imperatives of the Nigerian Army, noting that Space technology today has extended well beyond scientific curiosity.
Shaibu stated: “It shapes operational effectiveness, intelligence gathering, surveillance, communication, navigation and disaster response. The Nigerian Army recognises that the contemporary security environment demands the integration of space-based capabilities into joint and multi-agency operations.
“We therefore remain committed to leveraging space assets in enhancing situational awareness, decision superiority and operational coordination across all theatres of operation. I acknowledge the invaluable contributions of our partners and stakeholders whose efforts continue to advance Nigeria’s space programme. Collaboration between the military, government institutions, research bodies, the private sector and international partners have enhanced our capacity for satellite-based intelligence, remote sensing and communications support to operations.
“Such cooperation remains essential in addressing evolving threats including terrorism, insurgency, climate-induced disasters and cross-border crimes that require real-time space-enabled intelligence to prosecute effectively. The Nigerian Army is proud to be a beneficiary and active stakeholder in Nigeria’s growing space ecosystem.
The Army Chief added that the event provided an ample opportunity to exchange ideas, share lessons and identify practical solutions that would advance the application of space technology for national security and socio-economic development.
He then encouraged open dialogue, innovation and sustained collaboration aimed at developing space strategies that are inclusive, operationally relevant and responsive to Nigeria’s unique development imperatives.
Shaibu congratulated the organizers for the timely and forward-looking initiative and wished all participants productive deliberations. “I assure you of the Nigerian Army’s continued support towards initiatives that promote the harnessing of space and satellite communications for an extraordinary Nigeria. Thank you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he concluded.
