Improved Security: Matawalle Rated Most Outstanding Minister in Opinion Poll

A nationwide opinion poll has ranked the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, as the most outstanding performer in the security sector, within President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet.

The survey, which drew responses from across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, reflects a growing confidence in Matawalle’s approach to tackling the country’s layered security challenges. Since the assuming office in 2023, he has earned a reputation as one of the administration’s most visible and active voices on defence matters. Working closely with the Minister of Defence, service chiefs, and other security stakeholders, he has strengthened inter-agency collaboration and spearheaded reforms aimed at countering insurgency, banditry, and cross-border crimes.

Respondents, particularly in the North West and North Central—regions hardest hit by banditry and insurgency—praised Matawalle’s leadership in driving military offensives, improving intelligence-sharing, and personally visiting crisis zones. Many see this hands-on style as a refreshing departure from past practices where officials often kept their distance from affected communities.

Analysts say the poll’s outcome underscores both Matawalle’s rising profile in Tinubu’s cabinet and Nigerians’ increasing demand for results-driven governance. With security still one of the administration’s biggest tests, the minister’s recognition suggests that citizens are beginning to notice tangible efforts and modest gains in the sector.

Still, experts warn that the road ahead remains long. Terrorism, banditry, oil theft, and urban crime continue to stretch Nigeria’s security architecture. While military successes are notable, addressing root causes of insecurity—such as poverty, unemployment, and weak local governance—requires broader, long-term strategies.

For now, Matawalle’s emergence as the top-rated security minister signals a shift in public expectations. Nigerians are not only tracking the government’s promises but are also willing to recognize and reward visible performance. His recognition stands as both an endorsement of progress and a reminder that national security demands continuous, determined, and innovative leadership.