The Nigeria Anti-corruption and Integrity Movement has praised Dr Bello Matawalle, Honourable Minister of State for Defence, for his transformative reforms in security, military innovation, and industrial growth, according to a statement released in Lagos on Thursday.
“Dr Matawalle has redefined Nigeria’s national security architecture,” said Abiola Yusuf, chairman of the group, highlighting the minister’s achievements since his appointment in August 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to the statement,A key pillar of Matawalle’s reforms is the revitalisation of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).
“The DICON Act of 2023, the first major reform of Nigeria’s military-industrial base since the 1980s, restructured DICON as a public-private entity, enabling foreign partnerships and local production of small arms, protective equipment, and drone components.
“This shift towards localised production has bolstered the Nigerian Armed Forces’ self-reliance and combat readiness, reducing dependence on imported logistics.
“The policy is steering Nigeria towards strategic autonomy in defence manufacturing, “the statement noted.
Speaking further,Yusuf said “Under Matawalle’s joint oversight with Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar and Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, the military has recorded significant gains in 2024.
” Over 8,000 terrorists were neutralised, 11,600 insurgents arrested, and 10,000 weapons recovered across operations in the northeast and northwest, official statistics show.
The rescue of over 8,000 abducted civilians in 2024 marks a 46% increase from the previous two years, driven by enhanced intelligence, surveillance, and joint operations.
“A notable success was Matawalle’s September 2024 visit to Sokoto, which led to the elimination of key bandit leaders, showcasing a strategic “decapitation” approach to counterinsurgency.
“In maritime security, Matawalle has spearheaded the formation of the Gulf of Guinea Maritime Task Force, aligning Nigeria with regional and African Union objectives.
“The April 2024 commissioning of long-range patrol vessels, procured through a Turkish partnership, has strengthened anti-piracy efforts and secured Nigeria’s hydrocarbon-dependent Exclusive Economic Zone.
“Matawalle’s defence diplomacy has also expanded Nigeria’s global partnerships. Engagements with the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition, Turkish defence authorities, and U.S. Africa Command have enhanced joint training and intelligence sharing, positioning Nigeria as a leading African security partner.
“Matawalle has digitised pension verification, reducing fraud and veteran hardship.
“Initiatives like Quarterly Veteran Roundtables and biometric passport hubs align with NATO welfare Anguilla standards, improving troop welfare.
“In collaboration with the Ministry of Steel Development, the Ajaokuta Steel Complex is being revitalised to produce ballistic-grade steel and aerospace components, supporting indigenous armoured vehicle and platform development.
“The “Matawalle Doctrine” is driving Nigeria towards a proactive defence posture, blending modernisation, localisation, and foresight.”
This strategy, Yusuf said, is positioning Nigeria’s Armed Forces as a vanguard of continental security and industrial resilience.