Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has resigned from office with immediate effect, citing health reasons.
In a letter dated December 1 and addressed to President Bola Tinubu, the former minister said his decision to step down was necessary to attend to his wellbeing. President Tinubu has accepted the resignation and expressed appreciation for Abubakar’s service to the nation.
The President is expected to notify the Senate of a nominee to replace the outgoing minister later this week.
Badaru Abubakar, 63, served as governor of Jigawa State for two terms between 2015 and 2023 before being appointed Minister of Defence on August 21, 2023.
His resignation comes at a time President Tinubu has declared a national security emergency, with further details on the administration’s plans expected to be announced soon.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
