Defence and Interior Ministries Deepen Strategic Partnership on National Security

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has moved to strengthen coordination between the Ministries of Defence and Interior as part of efforts to build a more unified and effective national security framework capable of responding to Nigeria’s evolving security threats.

This followed a high-level meeting in Abuja on Friday when the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd) paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, at his office.

Receiving the Defence Minister, Tunji-Ojo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a stronger, intelligence-driven security structure anchored on collaboration between internal and external security agencies.

He described national security as resting on three key pillars—intelligence, internal security, and defence—adding that weakness in any of these areas threatens the entire system.

“If one leg of this tripod is weak, the whole structure is endangered,” Tunji-Ojo said.

The Interior Minister appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his confidence in Gen. Musa and commended the Defence Minister for bringing his experience to bear on national security coordination.

He cautioned against rivalry and territorialism among security institutions, stressing that Nigerians care more about performance and safety than ministerial boundaries.

Tunji-Ojo identified border security as a critical priority, particularly through the Nigerian Immigration Service, noting that porous borders expose the country to transnational crimes, terrorism, and illegal migration.

He said: “A safe border is a safe nation. If you cannot secure your borders, you cannot guarantee national safety.”

Speaking on the role of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Tunji-Ojo clarified that the agency was not created to duplicate police duties but to function as a specialised body tasked with protecting critical national infrastructure.

He listed schools, oil and gas facilities, telecommunications, power installations, and solid mineral sites as key assets under NSCDC protection, describing attacks on such facilities as “economic terrorism.”

He called for stronger cooperation between the NSCDC and the military, including enhanced training and intelligence sharing.

Tunji-Ojo also highlighted the need for improved data management across security agencies and proposed the establishment of an inter-ministerial technical committee to harmonise security operations between the Defence and Interior ministries.

He insisted that: @We must eliminate communication gaps, block divisions, and work as one organic security structure that delivers results for Nigerians.”

In his remarks, Gen. Musa commended the Ministry of Interior for its reforms and efforts in strengthening internal security through agencies such as the Nigerian Immigration Service, NSCDC, Nigerian Correctional Service, and the Federal Fire Service.

He described security as the foundation of national development, stressing that “without security, there is no progress.”

Musa noted that modern security threats—such as terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and cross-border crimes—have blurred the line between internal and external security, making inter-agency cooperation more critical than ever.

He however noted that: “No single agency has a monopoly on intelligence. We must work together, share information, and operate in synergy.”

The Defence Minister proposed the creation of a joint technical security committee comprising representatives from both ministries and paramilitary agencies to meet quarterly and assess security challenges.

He also advocated for secure technology platforms to enable real-time intelligence sharing between the Defence Intelligence Agency and Interior agencies, including Immigration, NSCDC, and the Nigerian Correctional Service.

Musa assured that the Ministry of Defence would continue to support capacity-building for internal security agencies through specialised training in counterterrorism, intelligence gathering, and crisis response.

He further noted that correctional facilities could serve as valuable intelligence sources in tackling crime and insecurity.

Both ministers agreed that a stronger alliance between Defence and Interior would reduce pressure on the military, improve internal security efficiency, and ultimately deliver a safer Nigeria.

“We must do things differently. Working together is the only way Nigeria can win,” Musa concluded.

Defence and Interior Ministries Deepen Strategic Partnership on National Security

China sent a Gravity-1 carrier rocket into space from waters off the coast of Haiyang

By Li Rui, People’s Daily

Recently, China sent a Gravity-1 carrier rocket into space from waters off the coast of Haiyang, east China’s Shandong province, placing three satellites into their designated orbits. This launch exemplifies the growing momentum of China’s emerging commercial space sector, which is contributing significantly to the country’s space exploration capabilities.

The global competition in commercial spaceflight is intensifying. According to projections, the scale of China’s commercial space market is expected to exceed 2.5 trillion yuan ($351.76 billion) this year. Through a strategic collaboration between the government and private enterprises, China is achieving a dynamic synergy that is accelerating technological advancements, reducing costs, and expanding the range of applications within its space industry. As a result, China’s space industry is gaining more visibility and vibrancy on the global stage.

China’s development of “space infrastructure” is advancing steadily, especially as the deployment of low-orbit satellite internet networks enters a phase of large-scale constellation expansion. However, the country faces a prominent challenge: the demand for satellite launches now exceeds the available capacity of traditional rockets. Relying solely on traditional rockets is far from sufficient to meet these growing needs.

In this context, the development of commercial space initiatives is essential to providing the necessary launch capacity for widespread space-based network deployment. This year, a new generation of commercial rockets, including the Zhuque-3, Tianlong-3, and Gravity-2, are advancing according to schedule with design, testing, and launch activities. These new launch vehicles will effectively alleviate the strain on satellite launch resources and bolster the development of China’s national satellite internet infrastructure.

Commercial spaceflight not only increases the frequency of launch opportunities but also opens up a broader range of technological possibilities. Unlike state-run space enterprises, private commercial companies are more agile and adaptable.

For example, the methalox engine independently developed by Chinese commercial rocket firm LandSpace has drawn global attention for its cost-effectiveness, clean propulsion, and reusability. Similarly, Chinese aerospace company Galactic Energy has significantly reduced rocket engine manufacturing costs through 3D printing.

Fueled by market-driven mechanisms and following a model of “small steps, rapid iterations,” commercial space enterprises have gained the favor of numerous research institutions. These companies serve as a strong complement to state-run space organizations, further advancing China’s space exploration capabilities.

As a dynamic sector driving the future of technological innovation, commercial spaceflight holds vast market potential. More than 10 provinces across China have introduced specific policies to support the development of the commercial space sector, fostering a wave of specialized and innovative companies focused on rocket development and satellite manufacturing. These initiatives have led to the creation of industrial clusters and a rapidly expanding “space economy” ecosystem.

For instance, Beijing is developing a regional industrial layout with rocket production in the south and satellite manufacturing in the north, while Shanghai aims to scale its space industry to hundreds of billions of yuan. Additionally, the aerospace industrial park Wuxi, east China’s Jiangsu province, has brought together more than 120 enterprises above the designated size, fueling growth and innovation.

As the commercial space sector shifts from isolated efforts to more integrated, clustered development, an autonomous, resilient, and competitive industrial ecosystem is taking shape, becoming a significant driver of economic growth and technological advancement in space.

Today, commercial spaceflight not only serves national missions but is also expanding its innovation to meet everyday needs. Applications such as satellite remote sensing allow farmers to manage irrigation systems via a mobile phone, while satellite internet provides broadband access to remote areas, including mountains and oceans. Moreover, satellite-enabled intelligent transportation systems are optimizing traffic signal timing to reduce congestion.

These innovations highlight how space technology, once perceived as distant and exclusive, is now becoming an integral part of everyday life, enhancing communications, supporting agriculture, improving mobility, and providing tangible benefits to the public.

Commercial spaceflight represents a vast frontier of opportunity. It is not only a scientific domain for exploring the unknown but also a burgeoning economic sector with boundless potential for the future.

China sent a Gravity-1 carrier rocket into space from waters off the coast of Haiyang

Technology enhances immersive reading experience in Beijing

By Shi Fang, People’s Daily

“Mr. Lu Xun, could you recommend one of your classic works?”

“If I were to suggest one, perhaps Call to Arms would be a good starting point…”

This conversation took place at the Metaverse Experience Hall of the Beijing Library. Supported by artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies, the hall offers visitors a novel approach to immersive reading and knowledge-based social engagement.

As one of three institutions under the Capital Library of China, the Beijing Library has introduced an AI-powered digital human modeled after renowned Chinese writer Lu Xun. Historically, Lu Xun played a role in establishing the predecessor of the Capital Library of China. Today, his digital incarnation symbolizes the library’s digital transformation.

“We developed the digital Lu Xun using AI technologies to provide guided tours, recommend books, and introduce local cuisine and cultural sites,” explained Fei Jun, professor with the School of Design, the Central Academy of Fine Arts, and creative director of the Metaverse Experience Hall. His team conducted in-depth research on Lu Xun’s life and works to create a realistic and multidimensional digital persona.

In addition to the digital Lu Xun, Fei’s team created two other digital characters, “Tutu” and “2122,” each with distinct personalities: one childlike and the other futuristic. These avatars, driven by large language models, engage visitors in conversations about literature and everyday life. Since the library opened at the end of 2023, these AI characters have participated in more than 1.7 million voice interactions.

Seven-year-old reader Wang Jiayi eagerly asked “2122” questions such as, “Why did dinosaurs go extinct?” and “Why do maple leaves turn red in autumn?” Her mother commented, “The digital humans are engaging and informative. They genuinely spark children’s interest in learning.”

Entering the library feels akin to stepping into a digital universe.

Visitors can scan a QR code to verify their identity, customize their attire, and quickly generate digital avatars within the Metaverse. These avatars can navigate virtual spaces such as the Children’s Library, Ancient Books Collection, Art Literature Library, and Intangible Cultural Heritage Library, exploring venue information and upcoming events.

Readers also interact with one another via their digital avatars, sharing reading lists, exchanging book reviews, and bridging online and offline reading experiences.

Looking ahead, the library plans to introduce additional immersive features, including personalized virtual study rooms. “Our goal is to offer a multisensory experience — visual, auditory, and even tactile — so users feel as if they’ve entered a parallel world for immersive reading,” Fei said. His team is also developing an online version of the metaverse library, enabling remote access to its digital environment and vast knowledge collections.

“Beyond traditional print books, we want to create a technology-enhanced environment that sparks curiosity and encourages readers to explore knowledge in innovative ways,” said Li Nianzu, deputy director of the Capital Library of China.

Technology enhances immersive reading experience in Beijing