In August 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Bello Muhammad Matawalle (MON) as Minister of State for Defence, leveraging his experience as a former Governor who has tackled security challenges, including his role as Chairman of the House Committee on Security, Intelligence, and Public Safety while at National Assembly as member representing Bakura/Maradun federal constituency. Upon assuming office, he promptly took action, achieving notable successes.
1-Defence Reforms: Spearheaded the enactment of the new Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act, boosting local production of defence equipment and reducing reliance on foreign imports.
2. Counterterrorism: Recorded significant successes in counterterrorism operations, dismantling terrorist strongholds in the North-East and weakening bandit networks in the North-West.
3. Military Modernization: Facilitated the acquisition of state-of-the-art weaponry, surveillance drones, and tactical gear, enhancing the precision and effectiveness of military operations.
3. Troop Welfare: Championed improved welfare packages for soldiers, including timely payment of allowances, better housing, and medical support, boosting morale and reinforcing the fighting spirit of troops.
4. Local Defence Production Supported DICON to boost local arms production, reducing dependency on foreign suppliers and stimulating Nigeria’s defence economy.
5- Regional and International Security Partnerships: Strengthened collaboration with neighbouring countries and global allies, improving intelligence sharing and joint operations.
6. Maritime Security: Spearheaded the formation of the Gulf of Guinea Maritime Task Force, aligning Nigeria with regional and African Union objectives.
7. Digitalization: Digitized pension verification, reducing fraud and veteran hardship, and introduced initiatives like Quarterly Veteran Roundtables and biometric passport hubs to improve troop welfare.
8. Industrial Growth: Contributed to the revitalization of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex to produce ballistic-grade steel and aerospace components, supporting indigenous armoured vehicle and platform development.
Overall, Matawalle’s leadership has been marked by tangible achievements in counterterrorism, military modernization, and national stability, earning him recognition as a key driver of Nigeria’s ongoing war against insecurity.
May Allah continue to guide our courageous troops to triumph in combating the bandit and other militia groups and may Allah establish a lasting peace in our country. And aid our Ministry of Defence to succeed. Amin
Glory be To Allah.
