A coalition of 774 civil society organisations has named Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, as the “Minister of the Year 2024” for his exceptional leadership, dedication to Nigeria’s security, and significant achievements throughout the year.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by Dr Hakeem Baba Tunde, the coalition’s national chairman. According to Baba Tunde, Dr Matawalle’s tenure has been marked by a dual focus on international diplomacy and domestic cohesion, resulting in notable progress in the country’s defence framework.
He said “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, where he attended the World Defence Exhibition from February 4–8.
“The event showcased Nigeria’s defence capabilities and explored strategic partnerships. 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 initiatives. 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 security operations and facility inspections across affected areas and his visit led to the killing of Alhaji Halilu Sububu and thousands of bandits in Sokoto, Zamfara,and other part of the country.
“His second visit to Sokoto from October 8–12 included military facility assessments and security operations in Gundumi, Tsamaye, Isa Goronyo, Mai Lalle, and other banditry-affected villages. On October 15, he paid 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. 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.”
“On November 20, the Republic of Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Defense, Prince Abdulrahman bin Mohammed bin Ayyat, hosted Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defense, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, in Riyadh to discuss strengthening defense collaboration between the two nations.
“Dr. Matawalle also traveled to Zamfara to address economic welfare issues, including plans to provide 1,200 naval officers and establish a naval base in Maradun. Additionally, a hospital project worth ₦2.25 billion is set to be completed in 2024.”
The coalition emphasised that the award was granted solely on merit. “Dr Matawalle did not influence our decision. We do not know him personally, but we have diligently documented his accomplishments over the year,” Baba Tunde stated.
As Nigeria looks to 2025, the coalition praised Dr Matawalle’s contributions to national security and collective progress under President Tinubu’s leadership.
