Defence Minister of Nigeria
The Minister of Defence of Nigeria is a senior cabinet official in the Nigerian Federal Executive Council in charge of the Nigerian Ministry of Defence. The Defence Minister's main responsibility is to manage all branches of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to maintain a modern, competent, and professional military force for the protection of the national territory, maritime interests, airspace, and constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Appointment
The Minister of Defence is first appointed by the President of Nigeria; this appointment is then subject to ratification by the Senate under Section 147 (2) of the Nigerian Constitution.
Schedule of duties
- Maintaining a mission-ready military on land, sea and air.
- Maintaining a proper balance in arms and men to meet the needs of internal and external security;
- Enhance the capabilities of the country’s Defence Industries.
- Ensure security in the African continent by the promotion of a collective defence system through bilateral, sub-regional and continental co-operation to ward off external aggression and to attain the African objective of the national foreign policy
- Participation in peacekeeping missions through the United Nations (UN), African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Ministers of Defence
| Name | Term |
|---|---|
| Iliya Bisalla | 1975–1976 |
| Iya Abubakar | 1979–1981 |
| Akanbi Oniyangi | 1981 to 1983 |
| Domkat Bali | 1984 to 1990 |
| Sani Abacha | 1990–1994 |
| Theophilus Danjuma | 1999–2003 |
| Rabiu Kwankwaso | 2003–2007 |
| Thomas I. Aguiyi-Ironsi | 2006–2007 |
| Yayale Ahmed | 2007–2008 |
| Shettima Mustapha | 2008–2009 |
| Godwin Abbe | 2009–2010 |
| Adetokunbo Kayode | 2010–2011 |
| Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed | 2011 July–2012 June |
| Dr. Erelu (Dr) Olusola Obada | 2012 July–2013 September |
References
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Lawal Adewale Pending