By OLASUNKANMI ONIFADE

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, says the Armed Forces is committed to collaborating with technology-based enterprises, research institutions and industry leaders to develop innovative solutions for national security.

Musa said this at the launch of the phase two NIGCOMSAT Accelerator Programme 2.0, themed “Innovation in Orbit: Empowering the Next Generation of Space-Tech Entrepreneurs”.

The programme was aimed at supporting early-stage space-tech ventures, to facilitate strategic partnerships and champion solutions that address critical national priorities.

Musa who was represented by the Chief of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Nkem Aguiyi, said that as threats become more asymmetric and complex, responses must be more intelligent, data-driven, and adaptive.

“Our Investments in innovation must be seen, not just as economic initiatives, but as strategic imperatives.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirms its readiness to collaborate with technology-based enterprises, research institutions, and industry leaders in the co-creation of solutions that will help secure our borders.

“They will also help to protect our national assets and promote peace and stability,” he said.

He called on all relevant public and private stakeholders to support this programme.

“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,” he said.

Musa said that the synergy between defence and technology was more crucial, adding that initiatives like the Accelerator Programme create fertile ground for such collaboration to thrive.

He said that the programme was a clear and practical demonstration of collective commitment to nurturing indigenous solutions, empowering young entrepreneurs and transforming Nigeria into a knowledge-driven economy.

“By creating pathways for these young minds to access mentorship, funding, and technical guidance, NIGCOMSAT is not just accelerating startups but accelerating national progress.

“It is also heartening to note that today’s programme will highlight key elements of Nigeria’s Startup Act and the policy framework guiding innovation in our country.

“This legal and institutional backing will ensure that the ecosystem being built is sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive.

“For the Armed Forces of Nigeria, this translates to an opportunity to deepen partnerships with innovators who can help build tools and systems that enhance national resilience and security,” he said.

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, said that the launch was not merely a technological feat, but also a statement of Nigeria’s readiness to harness indigenous innovation for strategic growth, security, and development.

Egbetokun was represented by the Commissioner of Police, Force Communications Officer, CP Hammed Sule.

He said that it also reflected the determination of the nation to close digital gaps, empower institutions, and improve service delivery across sectors.

“We are committed to collaborating with NIGCOMSAT to ensure that these capabilities translate into tangible improvements in national safety and security.

“With enhanced connectivity, the Force can deepen its use of technology to safeguard lives and properties, protect infrastructure, and respond swiftly to emergencies across the country,” he said.

The Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT, Mrs. Jane Egerton-Idehen, said that the programme would scale impact, identifying real-world problems by equipping entrepreneurs with tools, mentorship, funding opportunities and global exposure to solve them.

“Space is no longer a distant frontier. It is a domain of opportunity, anchoring everything from precision agriculture and environmental monitoring to disaster management, national security, Fintech and connectivity.

“This is why the Accelerator Programme was born, to create a launchpad for Nigerian startups, engineers, data scientists and innovators who dare to dream beyond earth’s boundaries.

“As the world races toward a one trillion dollars global space economy, Africa must take its place, not just as a consumer, but as a creator of space-based solutions,” she said.

Egerton-Idehen said that Nigeria, with its large youth population, robust tech talent and expanding digital infrastructure was uniquely positioned to lead the charge.

“We must do more than invest in satellites. We must invest in ideas, talent and systems that convert raw potential into scalable innovation.

“Our commitment goes beyond inspiration. The programme’s aims is to support early-stage space-tech ventures through tailored incubation and facilitate strategic partnerships between startups, academia, and industry,” she said.

One of beneciary of the start up, Mr Joseph Bozimo, founder of IDB Analytics Limited, said that he intended to prevent clashes with farmer herdsmen and also predict insecurity via bio-migration.

“Everybody that is here, your digital footprint is represented here, your phone number is linked to your NIN, so everything goes together, basically that is how you can do it.

“Ordinarily, we just have ideas and we need tools that we can use. But now, having been part of this ecosystem, we have seen team players.

“For instance, Amazon Web Services, they have access to new infrastructure that they can use to support start-ups.

“Policy is the main key factor, and all policy players are here, so they are going to help us. We just need to continue and to innovate consistently,” he said. (NAN)