African Space Foundation has urged security agencies in the country to incorporate space technology in the fight against insecurity across Nigeria.
The organisation said the adoption of space technology in the security architecture of advanced countries has helped them to tackle emerging security threats.
Speaking during an event held in collaboration with the National Space Research and Development Agency to commemorate the World Space Week in Abuja on Thursday, the Director General of the organization, Ayo Fasanya said with the vast nature of the country, space could guarantee the security of Nigerians.
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He said, “The world is ahead talking about space. Africa must not lag in space development. when you talk about space, the first thing that comes to your mind is safety and security. Space can be used to secure our environment. It can used in areas where we have insurgency.
” If we look at the security architecture of countries like the USA, and Canada among others you would see that they have incorporated space into their systems, which has helped them. Space must be an intricate part of our security element. I believe space is the solution to solving our security issues. Nigeria has a vast landmass, if we utilise the advantage space technology has to offer. ”
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Speaking on the importance of space technology, Lt. Com. Yakubu Tegina who represented the Navy said the Nigerian Navy has adopted space to secure Nigerian waters.
He said, “Space technology is integral to naval operations. Its application to naval operations creates a great capacity for any littoral nation to manage its waterways effectively as it relates to national security.
“Some of these applications include communication, navigation and positioning, communication on the move, and UAV range extension. Others are telemedicine remote sensing images and data, and geographic information system mapping amongst others.”
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He urged the government to invest in education and research, effective communication and information sharing as well as advocacy in other to leverage on space technology.
The Special Adviser to the Chief of Staff, Ibrahim Balogun urged the youths to tap into the potential of space technology.
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The event witnessed competition among secondary school pupils on space technology.