Who Is Nigerian Defence Minister?

Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, is known for its diverse culture and rich history. It is also known for its struggles with security challenges, both domestically and internationally. The Nigerian Defence Minister plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of the nation. In this article, we will explore the role of the Nigerian Defence Minister, their background, and the challenges they face in their position.

What is the Nigerian Ministry of Defence?

The Nigerian Ministry of Defence is responsible for the formulation and execution of policies, plans, and programmes to ensure the security and defence of the nation. It is a federal government ministry and is headed by the Nigerian Defence Minister.

Who is the Nigerian Defence Minister?

The current Nigerian Defence Minister is Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd). He was born on January 1, 1953, in Kano State, Nigeria. Magashi attended the Nigerian Defence Academy and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1977. He served in various capacities in the Nigerian military, including as Brigade Commander, Director of Military Intelligence, and General Officer Commanding.

Magashi retired from the military in 1999 and became involved in politics. He was elected as the Senator representing Kano South in the Nigerian Senate in 2003. He was later appointed as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the All Progressives Congress (APC) party in 2014. Magashi was appointed as the Nigerian Defence Minister by President Muhammadu Buhari in August 2019.

What are the roles and responsibilities of the Nigerian Defence Minister?

As the head of the Nigerian Ministry of Defence, the Nigerian Defence Minister has various roles and responsibilities. Some of these include:

1. Ensuring national security

The Nigerian Defence Minister is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the nation. They work with other security agencies to develop policies and programmes to combat security threats, both domestic and international.

2. Developing and implementing defence policies

The Nigerian Defence Minister is responsible for formulating and implementing defence policies. They work with other government agencies and stakeholders to develop policies that ensure the defence of the nation.

3. Managing the Nigerian Armed Forces

The Nigerian Defence Minister is responsible for the management of the Nigerian Armed Forces. They oversee the training, development, and welfare of military personnel.

4. Budgeting and funding

The Nigerian Defence Minister is responsible for the budgeting and funding of the Nigerian Armed Forces. They work with other government agencies to allocate funds for the purchase of military equipment and the maintenance of military infrastructure.

5. Liaising with foreign governments and international organizations

The Nigerian Defence Minister is responsible for liaising with foreign governments and international organizations on defence and security matters. They represent Nigeria at international conferences and meetings on defence and security.

What are the challenges faced by the Nigerian Defence Minister?

The Nigerian Defence Minister faces several challenges in their position. Some of these challenges include:

1. Inadequate funding

The Nigerian Armed Forces have been underfunded for several years, leading to a lack of modern equipment and inadequate training. The Nigerian Defence Minister faces the challenge of securing adequate funding for the Nigerian Armed Forces.

2. Insurgency and terrorism

Nigeria has been plagued by insurgency and terrorism for several years. The Nigerian Defence Minister faces the challenge of combating these security threats and ensuring the safety and security of the nation.

3. Corruption

Corruption is a major challenge in Nigeria, and the Nigerian Armed Forces are not exempt from this challenge. The Nigerian Defence Minister faces the challenge of addressing corruption within the Nigerian Armed Forces.

4. Ethnic and religious tensions

Nigeria is a diverse country with various ethnic and religious groups. The Nigerian Defence Minister faces the challenge of ensuring that the Nigerian Armed Forces remain impartial and professional in their duties, despite ethnic and religious tensions.

Final thoughts

The Nigerian Defence Minister plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of Nigeria. Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd) is the current Nigerian Defence Minister, and he faces several challenges in his position. These challenges include inadequate funding, insurgency and terrorism, corruption, and ethnic and religious tensions. The Nigerian Defence Minister must work with other government agencies and stakeholders to address these challenges and ensure the defence and security of Nigeria.