ABUJA — The Defence Space Administration (DSA) has renewed its push for Nigeria to develop independent launch capabilities, labeling indigenous rocket engineering as a “catalyst” for advanced national security.
During the November/December 2025 edition of the DSA Monthly Lecture Series held at the Administration’s headquarters in Abuja, the Chief of Defence Space Administration (CDSA), Major General PO Ilodibia, reaffirmed that local rocketry is vital for maintaining Nigeria’s strategic edge.
A Strategic Imperative for Defence
The lecture, themed “Indigenous Rocket Engineering Capability as a Catalyst for Defence Technology and Security Advancement: The DSA in Perspective,” brought together researchers, senior military officers, and space scientists to evaluate the nation’s progress in homegrown launch technology.
Speaking at the event, Brigadier General ID Oloyede, Acting Director of Launch Services and Space Operations (DLSO), stated that relying on foreign partners for satellite launches or missile technology poses a long-term risk. He argued that the ability to launch surveillance assets independently is essential for modern asymmetric warfare and border monitoring.
Standardization and Global Benchmarks
One of the key takeaways from the session was the urgent need for standardization. Group Captain MK Ogunsan, a guest speaker at the event, underscored that for Nigeria’s rocket research to be viable, it must be certified according to global benchmarks.
- The Goal: To move beyond laboratory prototypes to field-ready launch vehicles.
- Collaborative Efforts: The DSA is currently strengthening ties with the Nigerian Institute of Space Engineers (NISE) to unify the country’s engineering voice and technical standards.
Synergy Across the Space Ecosystem
The move comes as Major General Ilodibia, who assumed command in November 2025, emphasizes synergy across Nigeria’s space institutions. On December 9, 2025, the CDSA hosted a leadership delegation from the Nigerian Institute of Space Engineers to discuss bridging the gap between military requirements and civilian engineering expertise.
“Effective collaboration with key stakeholders across the national space ecosystem remains vital for sustainable technological growth,” Major General Ilodibia noted during his closing remarks. He assured that the DSA is committed to providing the necessary platform for researchers to test and refine indigenous designs.
Current Status of Launch Operations
While the DSA’s Directorate of Launch Services and Space Operations has successfully conducted five rocket launches since its inception, the agency is now focused on scaling these successes into a robust, high-altitude program capable of placing small payloads into orbit.
