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 both houses of the National Assembly of Nigeria.

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 Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Ministers of Defence

Name	Term
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	April 2010 -

References