A coalition of northern youth forums has hailed Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, for what they describe as bold and pragmatic reforms in the country’s security sector.
In a statement on Thursday, the forum’s chairman, Ismaila Muhammad, said the minister’s policies are reshaping Nigeria’s defence strategy and restoring confidence in the Armed Forces.
Muhammad noted that Matawalle’s emphasis on modernising defence institutions, adopting technology-driven solutions, and prioritising the welfare of military personnel has earned him growing respect among young Nigerians.
“Matawalle is demonstrating that security goes beyond the battlefield,” the statement read. “He is combining innovation, diplomacy, and human capital development to strengthen national defence.”
Since assuming office, the minister has pushed for investment in digital tools, including surveillance systems and unmanned aerial platforms, to tackle terrorism and insurgency. He has also encouraged local production of military hardware to reduce dependence on imports.
For many northern youths, these policies represent a shift towards self-reliance and innovation at a time when insecurity has strained communities across the region.
Matawalle, a former governor of Zamfara State, is seen as bringing grassroots experience into his current role. His insistence on closer ties between the military and local communities has been welcomed by youth leaders who believe trust-building is vital to winning the fight against insecurity.
Beyond technology and partnerships, the minister has repeatedly stressed the importance of personnel welfare. He has called for better training, improved facilities, and stronger support for the families of fallen soldiers.
“You cannot have an effective Armed Forces without motivated men and women,” he said recently, underscoring the link between morale and operational efficiency.
At the continental level, Matawalle has urged African countries to embrace joint strategies against terrorism, piracy, and cybercrime, arguing that “no nation can stand alone against transnational threats.”
For the northern youth forums, this regional outlook reflects Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa’s security landscape.
“Matawalle is not only reforming defence but also giving young people hope that Nigeria can rise above its challenges,”
“The minister’s reforms remain a work in progress, but his blend of technology, diplomacy, and welfare-driven policies has started to change the tone of Nigeria’s defence sector,”Muhammad added.