Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar Resigns on Health Grounds

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has resigned from his position with immediate effect, citing health concerns that he says require him to step back from public service.

His resignation was conveyed in a letter dated December 1 and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

President Tinubu has accepted the resignation and expressed gratitude for Badaru’s contributions to national security.

According to the Presidency, the President commended the outgoing minister for his dedication, noting that he served the nation with commitment during a challenging period marked by significant security threats across various regions.

The President is expected to communicate a replacement to the Senate later this week, in line with constitutional requirements.

Badaru, 63, brought decades of administrative and political experience to the Ministry of Defence. Before joining the federal cabinet, he served as governor of Jigawa State for two terms between 2015 and 2023.

His tenure in Jigawa was marked by reforms in agriculture, infrastructure, and public finance management, earning him recognition as one of the influential northern political figures of his era.

President Tinubu appointed him as defence minister on August 21, 2023, tasking him with overseeing the Armed Forces and driving reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.

His exit comes at a sensitive moment for the administration. President Tinubu recently declared a national security emergency, signaling the start of a broad framework the government intends to implement to confront ongoing threats, from terrorism and banditry to oil theft and maritime crime.

The Presidency has said that additional details on the scope and priorities of the emergency will be announced soon.

Badaru’s departure is expected to prompt discussions about continuity and stability within the defence sector, especially as the military continues major operations in the North-West, North-East, and other flashpoints.

While Badaru did not provide specific details about his health challenges, his resignation signals a personal decision to focus on recovery.

His tenure, though relatively short, coincided with several strategic efforts to enhance coordination among the security services and strengthen cooperation with international allies.

The Presidency has not indicated when his successor will be announced, but government officials suggest the process is already underway.

The defence portfolio is expected to be filled quickly to avoid gaps in leadership as the administration moves forward with its security agenda.