The Ministry of Defence in Nigeria was established on October 1, 1958. It oversees the Nigerian Armed Forces, which includes the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The Ministry ensures the military is ready to fight and handles their welfare, training, and equipment needs. It is led by the Minister of Defence, who reports to the President.
The Ministry also promotes peace and security in Africa and collaborates with international organizations for global stability. Its headquarters is located in Abuja.
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List Of Ministers Of Defence In Nigeria From 1960 Till Date
No | Name | Term In Office | Political Party |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Muhammadu Ribadu | 1960–1965 | Northern People's Congress (NPC) |
2 | Inuwa Wada | 1965–1966 | NPC |
3 | Yakubu Gowon | 1966–1975 | Military Government |
4 | Illiya Bisalla | 1975–1976 | Military Government |
5 | Olusegun Obasanjo | 1976–1979 | Military Government |
6 | Iya Abubakar | 1979–1981 | National Party of Nigeria (NPN) |
7 | Akanbi Oniyangi | 1981–1983 | NPN |
8 | Domkat Bali | 1984–1990 | Military Government |
9 | Sani Abacha | August 1990–June 1998 | Military Government |
10 | Abdulsalami Abubakar | June 1998–May 1999 | Military Government |
11 | Theophilus Danjuma | 1999–2003 | People's Democratic Party (PDP) |
12 | Rabiu Kwankwaso | 2003–2007 | PDP |
13 | Yayale Ahmed | 2007–2008 | PDP |
14 | Shettima Mustapha | 2008–2009 | PDP |
15 | Godwin Abbe | 2009–2010 | PDP |
16 | Adetokunbo Kayode | 2010–2011 | PDP |
17 | Haliru Mohammed Bello | July 2011–June 2012 | PDP |
18 | Olusola Obada | July 2012–September 2013 | PDP |
19 | Labaran Maku (Supervising) | September 2013–March 2014 | PDP |
20 | Aliyu Mohammed Gusau | March 2014–May 2015 | PDP |
21 | Mansur Mohammed Dan Ali | November 2015–May 2019 | All Progressives Congress (APC) |
22 | Bashir Salihi Magashi | August 21, 2019–May 29, 2023 | APC |
23 | Mohammed Badaru Abubakar | August 21, 2023–present | APC |
Who was The First Minister Of Defence In Nigeria After Independence?
Muhammadu Ribadu became the first Minister of Defence in Nigeria after the country gained independence in 1960. Born in 1909 in Ribadu, a village in the Adamawa Province, Ribadu came from a family of local leaders.
His father, Ardo Hamza, was a district head, and Ribadu followed in his footsteps. Before his career in politics, he was educated in both Islamic and Western schools, attending Yola Middle School.
Later, he became a teacher and worked as a treasurer in the Yola Native Authority. Ribadu’s political career took off when he became a member of the Northern House of Assembly in 1947.
Over the next decade, he served in different capacities, including as Minister for Natural Resources and Minister of Land, Mines, and Power.
By the time Nigeria gained independence in 1960, Ribadu was appointed as the Minister of Defence, a role he held until his death in 1965.
As the first Defence Minister, Ribadu played a big part in building and modernizing the Nigerian Armed Forces. He expanded the army, navy, and air force, and worked on the “Nigerianization” of the military, ensuring that Nigerians were given leadership roles in the country’s armed forces.
Ribadu also oversaw the creation of key institutions like the Nigerian Defence Academy and the Defence Industries Corporation in Kaduna. These moves were instrumental in Nigeria’s military strength during its early years as an independent nation.
Ribadu’s leadership was widely respected, and he was known for his ability to get things done. His efforts in the Ministry of Defence made him one of Nigeria’s most influential figures at the time.
Many believed that his presence and leadership could have prevented the military coup that happened in January 1966, just months after his death.
However, Ribadu passed away on May 1, 1965, in Kaduna at the age of 55. In addition to his political achievements, Ribadu’s family remained influential. He was the grandfather of Aisha Buhari, the wife of Nigeria’s former president Muhammadu Buhari.
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Who Is The Current Minister Of Defence In Nigeria?
Mohammed Badaru Abubakar is the current Minister of Defence in Nigeria, taking office on August 21, 2023, under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Before his appointment, he was the governor of Jigawa State from 2015 to 2023. Born on September 19, 1962, in Babura, Jigawa State, Mohammed Badaru has had a long career in both business and politics.
He is well known for founding Talamiz Group, a business group involved in industries like automobiles, manufacturing, and agriculture.
During his time as governor of Jigawa State, Badaru improved infrastructure and supported local businesses. His work in Jigawa made him a strong figure in the political scene, leading to his role as Minister of Defence.
In this position, he is tasked with overseeing the defence of the country and addressing security challenges. Apart from his political career, Mohammed Badaru is also recognized for his work on national committees.
He served as the chairman of the Nigerian Presidential Committee on fertilizer distribution to farmers, helping to improve agricultural production in the country.
He also played a part in the presidential committee on non-oil revenue. Badaru holds a degree in Accounting from Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, and he is an alumnus of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru.