List Of All Ministers Of Defence In Nigeria (1960-Present)

List Of All Ministers Of Defence In Nigeria (1960-Present)

The Ministry of Defence in Nigeria was established in 1960 after the country gained independence. And, the first person to serve as the Minister of Defence was Muhammadu Ribadu.

However, this ministry looks after the Nigerian Armed Forces and the job of the ministry is to make sure the military is always ready and able to protect the country.

The ministry handles many things. It manages military operations and also works on defense policy, which is about making rules and plans to keep the country safe.

Besides that, it looks after the overall security of Nigeria. Here is a list of all the Minister of Defence In Nigeria since 1960:

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NameTermPolitical Party
Muhammadu Ribadu1960–1965Northern People's Congress
Inuwa Wada1965–1966Northern People's Congress
Yakubu Gowon1966–1975Military Junta
Illiya Bisalla1975–1976Military Junta
Olusegun Obasanjo1976–1979Military Junta
Iya Abubakar1979–1981National Party of Nigeria
Akanbi Oniyangi1981–1983National Party of Nigeria
Domkat Bali1984–1990Military Junta
Sani Abacha1990–1998Military Junta
Abdulsalami Abubakar1998–1999Military Junta
Theophilus Danjuma1999–2003People's Democratic Party
Rabiu Kwankwaso2003–2007People's Democratic Party
Yayale Ahmed2007–2008People's Democratic Party
Shettima Mustapha2008–2009People's Democratic Party
Godwin Abbe2009–2010People's Democratic Party
Adetokunbo Kayode2010–2011People's Democratic Party
Haliru Mohammed Bello2011–2012People's Democratic Party
Olusola Obada2012–2013People's Democratic Party
Labaran Maku (Supervising)2013–2014People's Democratic Party
Aliyu Mohammed Gusau2014–2015People's Democratic Party
Mansur Mohammed Dan Ali2015–2019All Progressives Congress
Bashir Salihi Magashi2019–2023All Progressives Congress
Mohammed Badaru Abubakar2023–presentAll Progressives Congress

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Who Was The First Minister Of Defense In Nigeria?

Alhaji Muhammadu Ribadu

The first Minister of Defence in Nigeria was Alhaji Muhammadu Ribadu, who served from 1960, when the ministry was established, until 1965.

Ribadu was born in 1910 and played an important role in Nigeria’s early politics after the country gained independence from British colonial rule.

His appointment came at a critical time when Nigeria was starting to govern itself and create its national institutions. The Ministry of Defence was officially formed in 1960, and Ribadu’s job was very important.

He was responsible for setting up military governance and defense policies in the new, independent nation. Ribadu oversaw the Nigerian Armed Forces, which included the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

His time in office was seen by the challenge of bringing together the military forces and making sure they were ready to protect the nation’s sovereignty during a time of regional tensions and political instability.

Ribadu worked hard to modernize the military and create a professional defense system. In 1965, Ribadu’s tenure as Minister of Defence ended, and he was succeeded by Inuwa Wada, who continued the work of strengthening Nigeria’s defense capabilities.

Ribadu’s contributions to Nigeria’s defense system have been recognized over the years, and he is often remembered as a key figure in the country’s military history.

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Who Is The Current Minister Of Defence In Nigeria 2024?

Mohammed Badaru Abubakar

The current Minister of Defence in Nigeria as of 2024 is Mohammed Badaru Abubakar. He took office on August 21, 2023, after being appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Mohammed Badaru Abubakar is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, he was the Governor of Jigawa State from 2015 to 2023 before he became the Minister of Defense.

In his political career, he has focused on good governance, security, and economic development. Now, as the Minister of Defence, he is in charge of the defense budget.

He also works to improve the military’s abilities and encourages cooperation between the armed forces and other parts of the government to keep the country safe.

Abubakar is also responsible for developing and carrying out defense policies that match Nigeria’s security goals. These policies help guide how the military operates and responds to different situations.

Another important part of Abubakar’s job is advocating for a larger budget for the Ministry of Defence. He has spoken out about the need for more money because the current budget is not enough to cover the rising costs of military operations.

Nigeria faces ongoing security challenges like insurgency and banditry, which require significant resources to handle. Abubakar has asked the National Assembly to review and increase the budget so the military can be better equipped for its duties.

Abubakar is also active in promoting international defense cooperation. He participates in defense seminars and meetings with other countries, such as India, to build stronger ties and share knowledge.

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