Nigerian Ministry of Defence

The Nigerian Ministry of Defence is the government department charged with ensuring Nigeria's national security. It consists of the defence services headquarters, the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigerian Navy, and other defence agencies and departments.

The last Defence Minister of Nigeria, Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed was removed by President Jonathan on June 22 2012 after widespread rioting in Kaduna and other parts of the North led to at least 100 deaths. The Minister of State is Murtala Yar'Adua The Permanent Secretary is Dr. Ezekiel Oyebola Oyemomi.

Vision
In recognition of the challenges of the new millennium, a military sector with modernized equipment, well-trained in all aspects of military operation, fully professionalized, compact and mobile with adequate equipment, firepower and communications, capable of fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities and performing its international peace-keeping role proudly and efficiently is in place.

Mission
"To provide administrative and support services, timely and effective to enable the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to build and maintain a modern, compact, strong, professional, mission-capable and mission-ready armed forces for the defence of national territory, maritime interest, airspace and the protection and defence of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and to contribute to peace-making and peace-keeping duties worldwide under sub-regional and global organizations of which Nigeria is a member".

Military
The military is responsible for protecting the country in the event of war and the President automatically becomes the Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces. He is the number one officer in the military and has the power to call up and give orders to the military.

It also appoints people to the following top positions:
 * National Security Adviser (NSA)
 * Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)
 * Chief of Army Staff (COAS)
 * Chief of Naval Staff (CNS)
 * Chief of Air Staff (CAS)

Aims and Objectives
The aims and objectives of the Ministry of Defence which are derived from the National Defence Policy are as follows:

Maintaining men of the Nigerian Armed Forces in a state of combat readiness on land, sea and air.

Maintaining a proper balance in arms and men to meet the needs of internal and external security;

Making provision for the welfare of the men of the Armed Forces in terms of training, accommodation, health care and other benefits aimed at boosting their morale.

Enhancing the capability and sophistication of the country’s Defence Industries in order to reduce the country's dependence on foreign sources of supply.

Ensuring security in the African continent by the promotion of a collective defence system through bilateral, sub-regional and continental co-operation to ward off external aggression and to attain the African objective of the national foreign policy; and

Contributing towards peace and stability in the world as a whole through the United Nations Organisation (UNO), African Union (AU) and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Operational Departments

 * Joint Services
 * Army Affairs
 * Navy Affairs
 * Air Force Affairs
 * Human Resources Management
 * Finance and Accounts

Other Defence Agencies and Organisations

 * Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON)
 * Directorate of Military Pensions (DMP)
 * Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Kaduna-Kaduna State.
 * Nigerian Defence Intelligence Agency