In Defence of National Duty: Why Badaru’s critics miss the point
By Lawal Jet Kaugama
The clamour for the removal of Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, over his participation in the Dubai Airshow 2025 is not only misplaced but also reflective of a fundamental misunderstanding of how government functions at the highest level. Those shouting for his sack may be driven by emotion, but they are certainly not guided by logic, nor by an appreciation of the strategic demands of national governance.
To begin with, Badaru’s trip to the United Arab Emirates is not a personal escapade, a sightseeing excursion, or a leisurely adventure. It is a state-sponsored engagement, but a mission undertaken on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Dubai Airshow is one of the largest global platforms for defence, aerospace, and security technologies. It attracts government officials, industry experts, and military leaders from across the world. For a country grappling with security challenges like Nigeria, such an event is not optional; it is strategic.
If anything, Badaru’s presence there demonstrates commitment, not neglect. Representing Nigeria at an international defence exhibition is a patriotic sacrifice, especially during turbulent times. It signals that Nigeria is not resigned to its fate but is actively seeking solutions, partnerships, and technologies that can strengthen its defence apparatus.
Those who interpret his attendance as abandonment are simply unaware of the multilayered structure of governance, a structure designed so that critical operations continue even when top officials are on assignment.
It is important to point out that the Minister of Defence is not the only authority in charge of Nigeria’s security affairs. The Minister of State for Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Service Chiefs of the Army, Air Force, and Navy are all fully in place. These are the individuals responsible for daily operational command, rapid response, and field deployment. They do not down tools simply because the minister is on an official assignment abroad.
The Defence Ministry — like any critical arm of government — does not revolve around one individual. Its strength lies in its institutional capacity and the chain of command.
To suggest that security efforts grind to a halt because Badaru is attending a crucial international exhibition is not only false but also an insult to the professionalism of Nigeria’s armed forces.
Those accusing Badaru of “sneaking out of the country” demonstrate an astonishing degree of ignorance about official travel. Ministers do not sneak anywhere. Their movements follow established protocols approved by the Presidency and processed through relevant government channels. Badaru travelled because the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed him to represent Nigeria at the Dubai Airshow. This is not an errand he assigned to himself; it is a duty delegated by his principal. So the question remains: what sin has he committed?
Nigeria cannot afford to isolate itself on the global stage, especially in matters of defence. The Dubai Airshow is precisely the kind of forum where new defence partnerships are initiated, where countries negotiate equipment acquisitions, and where military innovations are showcased. If Nigeria desires a modern, well-equipped, and responsive military, someone must be present at such engagements. That someone, this year, is Minister Badaru. Criticising him for executing a presidential mandate is both unfair and shortsighted.
Indeed, leadership often requires balancing domestic responsibilities with international obligations. A leader who refuses to engage globally will limit his country’s prospects. A leader who focuses only inward becomes ineffective. Badaru’s critics must understand that strengthening security does not end with visiting attack sites or making public appearances. Much of the hardwork is done behind closed doors, in negotiations, in strategic meetings, and at events where the world’s defence stakeholders gather to shape the future of global security.
It is easy to shout from the sidelines. It is harder to understand the burden of national duty. Badaru’s attendance at the Dubai Airshow does not make him indifferent to the plight of Nigerians affected by insecurity. On the contrary, it signifies a proactive effort to ensure that Nigeria does not remain stagnant while other nations advance their defensive capabilities.
Rather than scapegoating the minister, Nigerians should recognise the broader context. He is not on holiday. He is not detached. He is not negligent. He is carrying out an assignment that could, in the long run, enhance Nigeria’s security infrastructure. The domestic operational machinery remains intact and active, led by competent military chiefs who are trained to handle crises as they arise.
In truth, the outrage is misplaced. The criticisms are reactionary. The calls for dismissal are excessive.
Before rushing to judgement, Nigerians must ask: if Badaru were absent from such a global defence platform, would the same voices not accuse the government of isolationism and lack of initiative?
Leadership is not theatre. It is not a series of photo displays in a gallery. It is the steady execution of both visible and unseen duties. Badaru is doing his part. It is time his critics learned how government actually works.
Lawal Jet Kaugama, a commentator on national issues, writes from Kano