Ministry of Defence
About
The Ministry of Defence is a government ministry in Nigeria responsible for overseeing and supervising the Nigerian Armed Forces. It is headed by the Minister of Defence, a cabinet-level head who reports directly to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Its main mission is to provide administrative and support services, timely and effectively, to enable the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Its objectives include keeping the armed forces ready for combat on land, sea and air, providing for the welfare of personnel, developing the country's defence industries, and contributing to regional and international peace and security.
History
The Ministry of Defence came into being on 1 October 1958, when the War Office granted control of the armed forces to the national government. Upon its creation, the ministry was given responsibility over the Royal Nigerian Army and the Royal Nigerian Navy, and later oversaw the founding of the Nigerian Air Force in 1964. During the military government period, Sani Abacha served as defence minister while also acting as head of state in the 1990s. The ministry's goal during the return to democratic rule was to reposition the military as defender of the elected constitutional government. In April 2022, Permanent Secretary Ibrahim Kana announced that the federal government had concluded plans to create a new Ministry of Defence, bringing the various services under the same roof in a "Pentagon-like style" to enhance civil-military co-operation.
Key Facts
Established
1 October 1958
Headquarters
Abuja
Minister of Defence
Christopher Gwabin Musa
Jurisdiction
Federal Government of Nigeria
Website
defence.gov.ng