Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, has been lauded for his impactful leadership in fostering inter-agency collaboration within the nation’s security apparatus. His efforts to enhance coordination between frontline security agencies and the Armed Forces have been recognized as crucial to improving national security. This recognition culminated in him being bestowed with the prestigious “Defence Project Management Advocate” award for 2024 by the Higher Education Leadership and Policy Project (HELP) group, operating under the umbrella of the Independent Monitoring of Project Accountability, Compliance and Transparency (IMPACT) and Project Impact Review and Technical Evaluation Assistance (PIRTEA). This accolade was presented in conjunction with the international celebration of Project Management Day, held annually on November 7th.
The award acknowledges Abubakar’s proactive and consistent pursuit of inter-agency synergy, a strategy deemed vital for bolstering national security. The timing of the award coincided with the 2024 International Project Management Day, a global event designed to honor the contributions of project leaders, managers, and teams, as well as socio-political and economic figures who champion effective project management methodologies for societal advancement. This year’s theme, “People, Purpose and Projects,” underscores the importance of embracing project management principles, adaptability, and innovation across all sectors, particularly in the realm of national defense. It highlights the “project economy” concept as a crucial approach to tackling critical infrastructure development and peace-building initiatives.
The conferring of this award upon the Defence Minister emphasizes the significance of equipping project teams with the resources and support they need to effect meaningful and sustainable transformation. This empowerment is viewed as essential for harnessing the potential within challenging situations to create a more secure and prosperous future. Ayo Thomas, a fellow of the American Academy of Project Management and a member of the British Project Professional Society, serving as the HELP Lead Advocate and IMPACT/PIRTEA focal person, highlighted the minister’s role in promoting a “Team Approach strategy to operations” within the security agencies and military. This approach aligns with the core principles of project management, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving national security objectives.
The award recognizes Abubakar’s advocacy for a team-based approach to security operations, advocating joint operations between security agencies and the Armed Forces as a pivotal strategy in addressing the nation’s security challenges. This approach, emphasizing collaboration and coordinated efforts, is seen as instrumental in navigating the complexities of the national security landscape. Since his appointment, Minister Abubakar has actively integrated the “Team Building Approach,” a fundamental component of effective project management, into various aspects of training and defense operations. This integration reflects a commitment to fostering a collaborative environment within the defense sector, aiming to enhance operational effectiveness and optimize resource utilization.
Furthermore, Abubakar has been commended for his implementation of a “Systematic Advocacy Model,” focusing on evidence-based strategies and measurable results within the defense sector. This approach is designed to ensure the development of a modern, efficient, and mission-ready military force capable of adapting to the dynamic and uncertain nature of contemporary security threats. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to appoint and retain Abubakar as Defence Minister has been lauded as a strategic move, particularly given the current security climate. This endorsement underscores the confidence placed in Abubakar’s leadership and his ability to navigate the complex challenges facing the nation’s defense apparatus.
In essence, the award presented to Minister Abubakar highlights his commitment to fostering collaboration, promoting a team-oriented approach, and implementing evidence-based strategies within the defense sector. His efforts are seen as crucial in building a more robust and adaptable security framework capable of addressing the multifaceted security challenges facing Nigeria. This recognition underscores the vital role of effective project management principles in achieving national security objectives and building a more secure and prosperous future for the nation. The minister’s dedication to these principles is viewed as a significant contribution to strengthening Nigeria’s defense capabilities and fostering a more collaborative and effective security environment.
