As we prepare to welcome 2025, it is essential to reflect on the remarkable journey of the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, MON, throughout 2024. This year has been marked by relentless dedication, visionary leadership, and an unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s security and sovereignty. Through strategic domestic engagements and international diplomacy, Dr. Matawalle has strengthened Nigeria’s defence framework while prioritizing the welfare of the Armed Forces.
Dr. Matawalle began 2024 with a dual focus on international diplomacy and domestic cohesion. From January 8–9, he embarked on an official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), alongside the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General C.G. Musa, OFR. During the visit, they engaged with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs to enhance bilateral defence relations. On January 20, he attended the Nigerian Air Force Base Socio-Cultural Activities (BASA) for 2023 in Abuja, hosted by Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, celebrating the dedication of airmen and airwomen. Two days later, on January 22, Dr. Matawalle hosted His Excellency Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, for high-level discussions on deepening Nigeria-UAE defence ties. He concluded the month with a two-day roundtable on January 24–25, addressing Northern Nigeria’s security challenges. The event was organized by the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja.
In February, Dr. Matawalle’s global engagements took him to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. On February 3, the minister participated in high-level discussions with colleagues from the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), focusing on strengthening a unified approach against terrorism. From February 4–8, he attended the World Defence Exhibition, showcasing Nigeria’s defence capabilities and exploring strategic partnerships. On February 10, the minister joined His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna State. The NDA holds a special place in our nation’s history as it has been instrumental in training generations of officers for the Armed Forces of Nigeria since its establishment on 5th February 1964. On February 13, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON, attended an interactive session with the Nigerian Senate at the Senate Chamber, National Assembly Complex, Abuja. On February 23, he paid tribute to retired flag officers at the Nigerian Navy Regimental Dinner Night in Asokoro, Abuja.
March was a month of impactful engagements. On March 4, Dr. Matawalle held talks with Mrs. Hen Cohn, Director of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), to establish a mine action center in Maiduguri to enhance safety in conflict zones. On March 6, in collaboration with Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, the Minister of Steel Development, he laid the groundwork for reviving the Ajaokuta Steel Company to bolster military hardware production. On March 7, he deepened defence ties with India at the India-Nigeria Defence Cooperation Seminar in Abuja. Later in the month, on March 19, he chaired the 34th meeting of the Board of Defence Health Maintenance Limited. On March 26, he contributed to refining Nigeria’s defence strategies at the Chief of Defence Staff Joint Task Force Commanders Conference in Abuja. On March 27, alongside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he attended a solemn military burial ceremony to honour fallen heroes killed while serving their country in Okuama.
April marked significant milestones, including Dr. Matawalle’s attendance at the launch of the Nigerian Navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessel in Turkey on April 19. On April 22, he joined President Tinubu at the African Counter-Terrorism Summit in Abuja, emphasizing Nigeria’s leadership in regional security. On April 23, he hosted Mauritania’s Defence Minister, Hanena Ould Sidi, to enhance bilateral defence cooperation. On April 27, he celebrated the next generation of naval personnel at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School Passing Out Parade in Onne, Rivers State. Dr. Matawalle concluded the month on April 30 by hosting a U.S. Department of Defense delegation, led by Assistant Secretary Mrs. Jennifer Zakriski, to discuss mutual defence interests.
From May 23–25, the minister participated in the Nigerian Air Force’s 60th Anniversary celebrations in Abuja and Kaduna. On May 28, he chaired a stakeholders’ meeting on implementing the new Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act and inspected facilities at the Defence Intelligence Agency HQ. On May 29, he joined President Tinubu in celebrating the rehabilitation of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit System. On June 12, Dr. Matawalle attended the 25th Democracy Day Parade at Eagle Square, Abuja, marking a quarter-century of Nigeria’s democratic journey.
On July 4, the minister chaired the inaugural meeting of the National Hydrographic Agency’s Governing Council, focusing on maritime security. On July 18, he explored defence manufacturing collaborations with a delegation from the China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC).
In August, Dr. Matawalle attended the ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence Staff Meeting in Abuja on August 8. On August 14, he unveiled a vision for local ammunition production at DICON’s 60th Anniversary. On August 20, he commissioned a tuberculosis laboratory in Mogadishu Cantonment.
September saw Dr. Matawalle intensify efforts to address banditry in Sokoto. Following directives from President Tinubu, he conducted an operation visit to sokoto and facility inspections across affected areas. His second visit to Sokoto from October 8–12 included military facility assessments and security operation tours in Gundumi, Tsamaye, Isa Goronyo, Mai Lalle, and other banditry-affected villages. On October 15, he paid a final tribute to the late Lt. Gen. Lagbaja at the National Military Cemetery.
In November, Dr. Matawalle participated in the Gulf of Guinea Navies Symposium on November 27, reinforcing maritime security cooperation. On November 18, he was on an official visit to the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) Headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He was received and conducted around some facilities by the Secretary General of IMCTC, Major General Mohammed Bin Saeed Al-Moghedi.
December saw him assess the 44 Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna on December 7. On December 12, he welcomed the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defence, and on December 29, he represented President Tinubu at the West African Social Activities (WASA) event.
Dr. Matawalle’s engagements throughout 2024 underscore his commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s future and his unwavering support for the Armed Forces. His efforts have enhanced Nigeria’s defence capabilities, fostered national unity, and inspired resilience.
As we look forward to 2025, the Honourable Minister’s journey reminds all Nigerians of the importance of collective progress and security under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. May Almighty Allah bless Nigeria and guide its leaders in their service to the nation.
From the Office of the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, we wish all Nigerians a prosperous New Year!
- Ahmad Dan-Wudil is a Personal Assistant on Media, Office of the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
