By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Ltd. have agreed to deepen strategic collaboration to enhance national security, technological sovereignty, and operational sustainability.

NAF’s Director, Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NIGCOMSAT, Mrs Jane Egerton-Idehen, to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar in Abuja.

He said the two organisations pledged to forge stronger inter-agency ties that would leverage space-based assets to support NAF’s operational effectiveness, especially in secure communications, intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

According to him, the meeting marks a renewed commitment to harness indigenous space technology to boost Nigeria’s air defence and surveillance architecture.

In his remarks, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) described the partnership as vital to securing and enhancing operations across Nigeria’s airspace, adding that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) remained committed to reducing reliance on foreign technologies.

“We must continually seek innovative ways to improve our capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign systems.

“Strategic collaboration with institutions like NIGCOMSAT is essential to ensure secured communication and real-time situational awareness across our theatres of operation,” he said.

On her part, the NIGCOMSAT boss commended NAF’s forward-looking approach and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting the Force with indigenous, mission-specific satellite services.

“This partnership is not only timely but critical in strengthening Nigeria’s digital defence infrastructure.

“NIGCOMSAT stands ready to deploy its expertise in support of the Nigerian Air Force and contribute meaningfully to national security,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa