Bashir Magashi

Bashir Salihi Magashi: Nigerian Major General and Former Minister of Defence Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi (Rtd.) is a Nigerian military officer and politician who served as the Minister of Defence of Nigeria from August 2019 to May 2023. His career spans several decades, encompassing both distinguished service in the Nigerian Army and significant political appointments. Early Life and Education Bashir Salihi Magashi was born in Kano State, Nigeria. He pursued his education through various military and civilian institutions. He attended the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, where he began his training as a military officer. Throughout his career, he furthered his professional military education, including attending the Command and Staff College (CSC) in Jaji. He also obtained academic qualifications, including a law degree from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and was called to the Nigerian Bar. Military Career Progression Magashi had an extensive and impactful career in the Nigerian Army, rising through the ranks to the position of Major General. His service included various command and staff appointments. Notably, he served as the Commander of the Guards Brigade, a prestigious unit responsible for the security of the Nigerian President and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He also held the position of General Officer Commanding (GOC) a division of the Nigerian Army. A significant military appointment was his role as the Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), the premier military training institution in Nigeria. He eventually retired from the military as a Major General. Political and Administrative Achievements Following his military retirement, Magashi transitioned into politics and public administration. He held the position of Governor of Sokoto State from 1996 to 1998, during the military regime of General Sani Abacha. This position provided him with vital administrative experience at the state level. Major Achievements and Notable Works The pinnacle of his public service came with his appointment as the Minister of Defence in August 2019 by President Muhammadu Buhari. During his tenure as Minister of Defence, Magashi oversaw the operational, policy, and budgetary aspects of the Nigerian Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force. His term focused on enhancing military operations against insurgency (Boko Haram/ISWAP) in the Northeast, banditry, and other security challenges across the country. A key focus was procuring modern military equipment and improving the welfare of military personnel. Current Status Following the expiration of President Buhari's second term, Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi (Rtd.) concluded his service as the Minister of Defence in May 2023. He is currently an elder statesman and former government official based in Nigeria.