The Ministry of State for Defence is one of the new ministries in Nigeria and was established in 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This new ministry was created to focus specifically on state-level defense issues, separating its core functions from the main Ministry of Defence.
Its primary role is to improve the management of Nigeria’s defense strategies and operations at the state level, providing effective coordination among security agencies.
The ministry aims to improve national security and support the Nigerian Armed Forces in their duties to protect the country and its citizens.
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List Of Ministers Of State For Defence In Nigeria From 2023 Till Date
| Name | Term In Office | Party |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle | 21 August 2023 | APC |
Who Is The Newly Appointed Minister Of State For Defence In Nigeria?
The newly appointed Minister of State for Defence in Nigeria is Bello Muhammad Matawalle, who took office on August 21, 2023, under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Matawalle serves alongside Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who is the Minister of Defence. His appointment comes after his time as the Governor of Zamfara State, a position he held from 2019 to 2023.
However, Bello Matawalle’s career in politics began many years ago. He was born on February 12, 1969, in Maradun, located in what is now Zamfara State.
After completing his early education in Maradun, he attended Yaba College of Technology in Lagos and later pursued further studies in the United Kingdom at the University of West London.
Matawalle’s initial career was as a teacher, working at Government Girls College in Moriki before moving to the Federal Ministry of Water Resources in Abuja.
In 1998, Matawalle made his first big step into politics by running for a seat in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, which he won. This began the start of his political career.
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Between 1999 and 2003, he served as a commissioner in different capacities within the Zamfara State government, including as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Commissioner for Youth and Sports.
In 2003, Matawalle won a seat in the Nigerian House of Representatives, representing the Bakura/Maradun constituency. He was re-elected in 2007 and 2011, serving for a total of twelve years.
His time in the House of Representatives saw him switch political parties from the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Matawalle’s political career took a major step in 2019 when he became the Governor of Zamfara State. His victory came after a Supreme Court ruling disqualified the original winner to make Matawalle the Governor.
During his time as governor, he addresses the challenges facing Zamfara State, especially the issues of security and governance.
In June 2021, Matawalle made headlines again when he defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This move came as part of a wider political shift in Zamfara, with many elected officials joining the APC. As the Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle now has the task of supporting Nigeria’s efforts in addressing its security challenges.
Given his extensive experience in governance and his understanding of the complexities of Nigeria’s political system, many Nigerians hope he will bring a fresh perspective to the Ministry of Defence.