Matawalle Seeks Increased Funding, Collaboration To Fight Insecurity

Abuja, Nigeria – Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence, has called for significantly increased funding and collaboration to strengthen the country’s fight against banditry and other types of insecurity.

Addressing the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Defence during the presentation of the Ministry of Defence’s 2025 budget proposal in Abuja.

Matawalle emphasised the inadequacy of current resources to address the evolving security challenges.

The Minister praised the ongoing cooperation between the Ministry and the Defence Committees, recognising their critical role in previous successes.

However, he emphasised that the current budget falls short of the needs, particularly when it comes to purchasing essential equipment.

Matawalle cited the limited acquisition of Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) in 2024 as an example of these shortcomings, emphasising the urgent need for more to effectively combat banditry.

“With the right equipment, we can significantly resolve the battle against banditry,” Matawalle said.

He explained that budgetary constraints limit the Ministry’s ability to equip various regions dealing with insecurity.

He expressed hope that the legislature would approve a significant increase in the Ministry’s budget allocation for 2025, allowing for the deployment of critical equipment to affected areas and facilitating decisive action against insurgent groups.

The leadership of the Senate and House Defence Committees assured the Minister of their continued support and commitment to working with the Ministry to achieve the President’s Renewed Hope Security Agenda.

The Minister was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, and other Ministry Directors.