Professor Akala Advocates for Military Space Force and Continental Monitoring Infrastructure

Professor Andrew Oke-Ovie Akala, a Professor of Ionospheric and Radio Propagation Physics at the University of Lagos, has urged the African Union (AU) and the Federal Government to prioritize the establishment of a special military space force. According to the Tribune Online, this call comes in response to growing concerns about space security and the need for Africa to protect its space assets. Professor Akala highlighted the importance of having a dedicated military force to monitor and safeguard space infrastructure, particularly given the increasing number of satellites in orbit and the potential threats they face. He also emphasized the need for a continental monitoring infrastructure to ensure effective coordination and collaboration among African countries in space activities. The call for a military space force and continental monitoring infrastructure is a timely one, as space security becomes a growing concern for many nations, especially those in Africa which are just beginning to develop their space programs. The AU and the Nigerian government will need to weigh the costs and benefits of such an initiative, considering the potential economic and strategic advantages it could offer.