The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has said that the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, is attending the 2025 Dubai International Airshow with the full approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Matawalle stated this on Thursday amid public concerns over the absence of key security officials, including the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the Chief of Defence Staff, General O.O. Oluyede, and the Defence Minister, at a time of ongoing security challenges in the country.
He dismissed claims that Badaru travelled without due consideration of the nation’s security situation, stressing that the trip was an official assignment approved at the highest level.
According to him, officials currently outside the country are representing Nigeria at important international engagements aimed at strengthening the nation’s defence and security capacity.
“The government’s commitment to national security remains unwavering and robust. These officials are on approved national assignments that will ultimately benefit our security architecture,” Matawalle said.
He explained that the Dubai Airshow is a major global platform for the aerospace and defence industry, bringing together defence ministers, innovators and government officials from across the world to showcase new technologies and foster international collaboration.
Matawalle added that Nigeria’s delegation is at the event to project the country’s growing defence capabilities and deepen global defence partnerships.
He assured Nigerians that Badaru’s absence would not in any way affect security operations at home.
“His engagement abroad does not diminish our sensitivity or response to the current security challenges. Our combined efforts are ongoing and focused on addressing the situation effectively,” he said.
On the recent abduction of school students, Matawalle reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to securing their safe return.
“I immediately condemned the abduction and directed our security agencies to intensify coordination for the safe rescue of the students. Our strategies are in place and we are in constant communication with relevant authorities,” he said.
The minister also assured that he remains on ground to oversee activities at the Ministry of Defence while Badaru is away.
“We are privileged to operate a two-minister structure in the ministry. This ensures that there is no vacuum in leadership or operations whenever any minister is on official duty,” he noted.
Matawalle added that the Defence Minister would, on his return, immediately join ongoing efforts to tackle the country’s security challenges.