Early Life and Education
Bello Muhammad Matawalle was born on 12 February 1969, in Maradun — the headquarters of Maradun Local Government Area, in what is now Zamfara State, Nigeria.
His formal education began at Maradun Township Primary School, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1979. He furthered his education at a vocational teachers’ college (VTC Bunza), and later attended Yaba College of Technology, Lagos. For higher studies, he went abroad to Thames Valley University (now University of West London).
Before entering politics, Matawalle worked in the public service: at the former Sokoto State Ministry of Health, then as a teacher at Government Girls Colleges in places like Moriki and Kwatarkoshi. Later, he joined the Federal Ministry of Water Resources in Abuja.
Profile
- Full Name: Bello Muhammad Matawalle
- Stage Name / Common Name: Bello Matawalle
- Born: 12 February 1969
- Age: 56 years old (as of 2025) — based on birthdate.
- Birthplace: Maradun, North-Western State (now Zamfara State), Nigeria
- State of Origin: Zamfara State, Nigeria
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Occupation: Politician, (former) teacher
- Religion: Islam
- Parents: Father — Alhaji Muhammad Sharu; Mother — Hajiya Safiya Magaji
- Spouse(s): Aisha Matawalle; Balkisu Matawalle; Fatimah (or Fatima) Matawalle; Sadiya Matawalle
- Children: Reportedly around 30 children (exact number and names not publicly disclosed)
- Net Worth: Unknown / not reliably verified.
Entry into Politics: Early Career and Rise
Matawalle’s political career began in 1998 when he joined the defunct United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) during Nigeria’s transitional period under military rule.
With the return to democracy in 1999, he was appointed as a Commissioner in Zamfara State. Over the period 1999–2003, he held various portfolios — including Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Environment, Rural Development, Youth and Sports.
In 2003, Matawalle made the transition to national politics when he was elected to the House of Representatives, representing the Bakura/Maradun Federal Constituency. He retained this seat through re-elections in 2007 and 2011. His first two terms were under the banner of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), before defecting to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2011.
Governorship of Zamfara State (2019–2023)
In the 2019 elections, running as the PDP candidate, Matawalle contested for governorship of Zamfara State. Although he secured the second-highest number of votes, a ruling by the Supreme Court disqualified the leading candidate’s votes, clearing the way for Matawalle to be sworn in as Governor on 29 May 2019.
During his tenure as governor, Matawalle prioritized security, education, health, infrastructure, youth and women empowerment, agriculture and rural development across the 14 local government areas of the state.
Some of his notable initiatives reportedly included: construction of hundreds of primary-school classrooms, equipping them with desks and ICT centers; granting educational scholarships; and establishing women and children hospitals for free maternal and child healthcare.
In June 2021, in a political shift, Matawalle — along with most elected officials of Zamfara State — defected from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He completed his term as governor in May 2023.
Minister of State for Defence (2023 — Present)
In August 2023, Matawalle was appointed as Minister of State for Defence by the federal government of Nigeria.
In this capacity, he is entrusted with significant national security responsibilities — including helping to modernize defence infrastructure, strengthening inter-agency security cooperation, developing strategic policies to combat insurgency and banditry, and engaging in international security partnerships.
Given Nigeria’s security challenges — especially in the Northwest region — his role carries high expectations. His background as a former state executive adds to the significance of his tenure in this defence portfolio.
Personal Life
Bello Matawalle is reported to be married to four wives: Hajiya Sadiya, Hajiya Fatimatu, Hajiya Balkisu, and Hajiya another Fatimatu. He is described as a family man, though details of his children are not widely publicized.
His journey — from a teacher and public servant to membership of the House of Representatives, to governorship, and now minister — reflects a life of shifting public service roles, adapting across capacities from education and administration to security and governance.
Controversies and Criticisms
Over the years, Matawalle has faced scrutiny and controversies like many politicians. Some critics have questioned the credentials and the background of his earlier life before politics, especially during transitions from vocational training, teaching jobs, to high-level political appointments.
Moreover, opinions differ about the effectiveness of his governorship in addressing deep-rooted challenges in Zamfara, such as banditry, poverty, infrastructure gaps, and inter-communal conflicts. Yet supporters highlight his development projects, peace and security initiatives, and educational investments.
As a serving minister in charge of defence, his performance and decisions are under national and international spotlight — especially given ongoing security concerns in Nigeria.
Impact and Legacy
- Bridging Education & Governance: Matawalle’s origins as a teacher and civil servant lend him a unique perspective. He has often emphasized education, youth empowerment, and grassroots development — reflected in his policies while governor.
- Representation & Inclusion: Coming from rural Zamfara (Maradun), his trajectory shows representation of Nigeria’s less-represented regions in national leadership.
- Security & Peacebuilding: His appointment as Minister of State for Defence marks a trajectory where former regional leaders are now entrusted with national security — highlighting the federal government’s trust in his leadership.
- Controversial Yet Transformative: Like many Nigerian politicians, Matawalle’s legacy is mixed; while some question aspects of his past, others celebrate his push for developmental projects and relative stability in his state during turbulent times.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: When was Bello Matawalle born?
A: He was born on 12 February 1969.
Q: Which local government area is he from?
A: He hails from Maradun Local Government Area in Zamfara State.
Q: What positions has he held in his political career?
A: He has served as Zamfara State Commissioner (1999–2003), Member of the House of Representatives (2003–2015), Governor of Zamfara State (2019–2023), and Minister of State for Defence (2023–present).
Q: For which political parties has he been a member?
A: Over the years, he has been affiliated with the UNCP, All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and currently the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Q: What are some of his achievements as governor?
A: During his governorship, his administration reportedly built hundreds of primary-school classrooms, invested in education and healthcare infrastructure (including women and children hospitals), provided scholarships, and focused on rural development and youth empowerment.
Conclusion
Bello Matawalle’s life journey — from a child in rural Maradun, through vocational schooling, teaching and civil service, into politics — is a story of resilience, adaptability, and ambition. His ascendancy from commissioner to federal lawmaker, state governor, and presently minister reflects a career marked by both opportunity and controversy.
As Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle now occupies a critical position at a time when Nigeria faces serious security challenges. His past experience as a state executive and lawmaker may influence his approach to national security and governance.
Whether history will judge him as a transformative leader or a controversial figure depends largely on the outcomes of his policies — especially in strengthening national defence, ensuring peace, and promoting inclusive development. Nonetheless, his biography remains a testament to the dynamic pathways of Nigerian politics, and the possibility of rise from modest beginnings to national prominence.