Nigeria’s Future Rests on Smart Defence Management — Badaru to Military Leaders
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has emphasised that Nigeria’s long-term peace, sovereignty, and socioeconomic prosperity hinge on the nation’s ability to implement effective and forward-thinking defence management strategies.
Speaking on Friday, 11th July 2025, during a lecture at the National Defence College (NDC) Abuja for Course 33 participants, the minister declared that “strategic defence management is not just a military tool, but a national imperative for safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and ensuring sustainable development.”
His lecture was titled “Strategic Defence Management in Nigeria: Ministry of Defence in Perspective.”
According to a statement signed by Mati Ali, PA Media & Publicity to the Minister, Badaru applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to security reform, military modernization, and investment in domestic defence production.
He stressed that the Ministry of Defence plays a pivotal role in responding to Nigeria’s evolving threat landscape through institutional reforms, policy planning, and inter-agency coordination.
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“Nigeria’s security challenges span insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, communal violence in the North-Central, secessionist agitation and oil theft in the South, and maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea,” the minister stated, adding that regional instability in the Sahel and Nigeria’s strategic obligations within ECOWAS and the African Union further complicate the defence ecosystem.
He reiterated that with over 200 million citizens and a complex operating environment, Nigeria requires a holistic defence strategy integrating military, economic, and diplomatic tools.
“Strategic defence is about clarity, coordination, and resilience. The Ministry must lead from the front by aligning national interests with global security dynamics,” he said.
Badaru highlighted the Ministry’s core responsibilities, including formulating and executing defence policy, enhancing Armed Forces readiness, and driving efficiency in defence planning, resource management, and cross-sector collaboration.
He said the Ministry is committed to fostering transparency, innovation, and stronger partnerships to secure Nigeria’s future.
In his remarks, the Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral James Ohimai Okosun, thanked the Minister for delivering a timely and thought-provoking lecture.
He described the session as pivotal in shaping the next generation of strategic military leaders and lauded the ongoing reforms under the Minister’s leadership for setting new benchmarks in defence governance.
By PRNigeria
