BADARU/MATAWALLE: THE UNUSUAL TAG TEAM OF MINISTERS

By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna

A lot happened behind the scenes that many people are unaware of. We must thank God for giving us the duo of Badaru and Matawalle, a partnership that has proven to be an unusual But highly effective tag team in Nigeria’s Ministry of Defence.

In leadership, some individuals do not just occupy positions; they shape history through wisdom, strategic foresight, and decisive action. Show me a man full of managerial wisdom, and I will point to His Excellency, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni, the Honourable Minister of Defence (HMoD), and Alhaji Bello Matawalle, CFR, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence (HMoSD).

A NEW APPROACH TO VETERANS’ ENGAGEMENT

Upon assuming office, one of the earliest interactions the HMoD had was with the Veterans’ Community, represented by the Coalition of Concerned Veterans (CCV).

The CCV initially wrote a congratulatory letter to the minister, expressing confidence in his leadership while also requesting a meeting to discuss pressing veterans’ issues. When no response was received after two weeks, the CCV followed up with a reminder.

Given recent veterans’ struggles, particularly the protest that shut down the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for 48 hours over the non-implementation of the approved Security Debarment Allowance (SDA) for older veterans under the previous administration, tensions were high. The CCV, out of frustration, issued a notification of another planned protest at Ship House.

However, rather than allowing tensions to escalate, Minister Badaru swiftly took a proactive and diplomatic approach. He extended an invitation to representatives of all veteran associations for dialogue, an unprecedented step that marked the beginning of a new era of engagement between the federal government and military veterans.

A GROUNDBREAKING INITIATIVE: THE MINISTERIAL STANDING COMMITTEE

For the first time in Nigeria’s history, a civilian defense minister established a ministerial standing committee dedicated to bridging the gap between the federal government, the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), and the Military Pensions Board (MPB).

This committee comprises representatives from veterans’ associations across different ranks and military services, ensuring a more inclusive, structured, and transparent engagement process. It is a major step toward institutionalizing dialogue and accountability in the military veterans’ welfare system.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS UNDER THE Badaru-Matawalle LEADERSHIP

Recognition of 63NA’s veterans that were not initially captured by MPB payroll:

A significant breakthrough has been achieved as veterans of the 63NA battalions who fought on the Nigerian side during the Civil War are now being considered for enrollment into the military pension payroll.

This aligns with previous efforts to integrate their Biafran counterparts, who were earlier granted similar benefits.

TIMELY AND CONSISTENT PENSION PAYMENTS:

Monthly pension payments have remained steady under this administration.

While minor issues have been observed, such as discrepancies in the payment template, active measures are being taken to resolve them and ensure a fair and standardized pension structure for all veterans.

A STRONG AND COHESIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM:

The current Ministry of Defence leadership, comprising HMoD, HE Abubakar Badaru, CON, mni; HMoSD, HE, Bello Matawalle; the Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS); General Christopher G Musa, OFR and the Chairman of the Military Pensions Board (MPB), Air Vice Marshal Paul IRUMHESON, has demonstrated an unprecedented level of synergy and commitment.

Their collaborative efforts have yielded immediate and impactful results, making them one of the most efficient teams in recent history.

THE UNSUNG HEROES: Veterans’ Leadership and Dr. Auwal Aliyu Abdullahi

While the ministers played a pivotal role, the leadership of Nigeria’s veterans must also be highly commended. Their patience, strategic coordination, and strong commitment to their fellow veterans have been instrumental in achieving these breakthroughs.

Among these leaders, Dr. Auwal Aliyu Abdullahi stands out as an unsung hero. Behind the scenes, he played the all-important role in coordinating meetings that led to key decisions.

Through tireless underground efforts and persistent calls to the two ministers, he helped ensure that the authority took decisive action. In turn, the ministers pressured the Honourable Minister of Finance (HMoF) to expedite the release of funds and address outstanding veterans’ concerns.

It was through more of this relentless effort that the MPB was able to process and pay military pensions for January and February, even before the budget was signed into law. This level of dedication is a testament to what true leadership and advocacy should be.

A NEW DAWN FOR NIGERIA’S DEFENSE SECTOR

The Badaru-Matawalle leadership has ushered in a refreshing and pragmatic approach to resolving long-standing issues in Nigeria’s defense sector. Their willingness to engage directly with stakeholders, particularly veterans, has broken bureaucratic bottlenecks and established a more inclusive and responsive governance structure.

Even as they continue working tirelessly to ensure the full payment of entitlements and palliatives, it is clear that this administration is on the right track.

Indeed, Badaru and Matawalle are proving to be the best team the Ministry of Defence has had in recent history. Their commitment to duty, their ability to navigate complex challenges, and their determination to deliver tangible results deserve the highest commendation.

E-sign: Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts

– Secretary, 5-man Ministerial Standing Committee

– Secretary/Spokesperson – CCV

– BoT Chairman – REMENAF

– National Coordinator – REMENAF

– Member – VFN Review Committee.