KEY POINTS
- Nigeria defence minister resigns on health grounds.
- Tinubu expected to name new minister this week.
- Security challenges increase urgency for replacement appointment.
President Bola Tinubu is set to appoint a new Nigeria defence minister this week. The current minister, Badaru Abubakar, resigned on health grounds. He resigned immediately, notifying authorities in a letter dated December 1.
Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information, Bayo Onanuga, announced the development on Monday. The statement said the President accepted Abubakar’s resignation and thanked him for his service. Tinubu is expected to inform the Senate of the new appointee later this week.
Abubakar, 63, served two terms as Jigawa State governor from 2015 to 2023. He was appointed Defence Minister on August 21, 2023. His exit comes as the administration faces rising insecurity, prompting a nationwide security emergency.
Tinubu set to name new Nigeria defence minister
The President recently unveiled measures to curb insecurity, including recruiting 20,000 police officers and deploying forest guards. Schools, churches, and mosques in vulnerable areas received heightened protection. Analysts had also called for Abubakar’s removal, questioning his fitness for the role.
Hours before the resignation announcement, Tinubu met privately with retired Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa. The meeting took place at the State House and fueled speculation about Abubakar’s replacement. Musa arrived at 7:03 p.m. in traditional northern attire and walked into the President’s office escorted by aides.
Although officials did not confirm the meeting’s purpose, it fueled speculation about the next defence minister. The administration appears ready to swiftly fill the position as security concerns remain a top priority.
