The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has advocated for the appointment of a Chief of Space Staff to enhance the nation’s defense capabilities. This proposal was made during the conclusion of a two-day post-inauguration retreat organized by the National Defence College in Abuja for members of the House Committee on Defence.
Kalu stressed the importance of moving beyond traditional security measures to confront emerging threats in space, asserting that the establishment of a Space Service Chief is vital for protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity in the face of evolving modern warfare.
“In some countries, you have Space Service Chiefs; what are we doing about that? There is a need for one to be created. We are beyond what is obvious. Some of the warfare is now taking place in space. And I can assure you, if we ignore that, we will not be doing justice to the mandate of protecting the territorial borders of this country,” Kalu emphasized.
Additionally, Kalu expressed his support for the Defence Industry Corporation (DICON) Bill and the Armed Forces Trust Fund Bill, which are currently being reconsidered by the National Assembly after not receiving the assent of former President Muhammad Buhari. He conveyed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would prioritize these bills, emphasizing their role in promoting local content and manufacturing essential tools and equipment for the Armed Forces.
“With the Bills, there will be a stimulation of local content in manufacturing the tools and the equipment needed to keep our nation safe. It is a call on Mr. President to do it and do it as urgently as possible. So that some of the funding contracts of the military at the moment will be converted into military industrial complexes,” he stated.
Hon. Babajimi Benson, the Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, commended the leadership of the 10th House of Representatives and assured the committee’s commitment to collaborate with the Defence sector in achieving the legislative agenda of the Green Chamber and addressing insecurity in Nigeria.