Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.
In a letter dated Dec. 1 and addressed to President Bola Tinubu, Abubakar stated that he was stepping down due to health challenges. His resignation was made public on Monday through a statement issued in Abuja by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.
President Tinubu has accepted Abubakar’s resignation and expressed gratitude for his service to the nation, especially during a period marked by heightened national security concerns.
The President is expected to forward the name of a new Defence Minister to the Senate later this week for confirmation.
Abubakar, 63, previously served as Governor of Jigawa State from 2015 to 2023 before being appointed Minister of Defence on Aug. 21, 2023.
His resignation comes shortly after President Tinubu declared a national security emergency, with full details of the initiative expected to be unveiled soon.