Who is Nigeria Defence Minister?

Nigeria has been plagued by numerous security challenges, including terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry. As a result, the country has a Defense Minister who is responsible for the protection and security of the nation. In this article, we will take a closer look at who holds this important position and what it entails.

What is the Role of the Defense Minister in Nigeria?

The Defense Minister in Nigeria is the head of the Ministry of Defense, which oversees the security and protection of the country. The Ministry is responsible for the Nigerian Armed Forces, which includes the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The Defense Minister is responsible for ensuring that the Armed Forces are equipped and prepared to protect the country from internal and external threats.

Who is Nigeria's Current Defense Minister?

The current Defense Minister in Nigeria is Major General Bashir Magashi (rtd). He was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari on August 21, 2019. Magashi is a retired Nigerian Army Major General who served as Minister of Internal Affairs in 1993 during the military regime of General Sani Abacha. He was also the Chief of Defence Staff from 2014 to 2015 during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Magashi's Background and Career

Magashi was born on January 1, 1949, in Kano state, Nigeria. He joined the Nigerian Army in 1969 and rose to the rank of Major General before retiring in 1999. He also served as the Director of Military Intelligence and later as the Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy.

After retiring from the military, Magashi became involved in politics and was a member of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). He was appointed as the Minister of Internal Affairs in 1993 by General Sani Abacha's military regime. Magashi was also one of the founders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) party.

Magashi's Achievements as Defense Minister

Since his appointment in 2019, Magashi has worked to improve the capabilities of the Nigerian Armed Forces to better protect the country from security threats. He has overseen the procurement of military equipment, the training of troops, and the development of military strategies to combat insurgency and terrorism.

One of his major achievements was the launch of Operation Sahel Sanity, a military operation aimed at combating banditry and other criminal activities in the northwest region of Nigeria. The operation has been successful in reducing banditry and kidnapping in the region.

Magashi has also been working to improve the welfare and conditions of service of the Nigerian Armed Forces. He has advocated for better pay and benefits for soldiers and has ensured that the Armed Forces are adequately equipped with modern weapons and equipment.

Challenges Faced by Nigeria's Defense Minister

Magashi faces numerous challenges in his role as Defense Minister. Nigeria is currently facing a multitude of security challenges, including insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. The country is also dealing with issues of corruption within the Armed Forces and a lack of trust among the civilian population.

Another challenge faced by Magashi is a lack of funding for the Nigerian Armed Forces. The country's defense budget has been consistently low, making it difficult to procure modern weapons and equipment for the military. This has hindered the military's ability to effectively combat security threats.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Defense Minister in Nigeria plays a critical role in ensuring the security and protection of the country. Major General Bashir Magashi (rtd) is the current Defense Minister, and he has been working to improve the capabilities of the Nigerian Armed Forces to combat the security challenges facing the country. Despite facing numerous challenges, Magashi is committed to ensuring that Nigeria remains safe and secure for all its citizens.