The Nigerian Senate has screened and confirmed former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa (retd.), as the new Minister of Defence.
The screening and confirmation followed his nomination by President Bola Tinubu, succeeding former Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru, who resigned earlier this week.
President Tinubu, in a letter to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday, urged lawmakers to give favourable consideration to General Musa’s nomination.
During the exercise, General Musa assured the Senate and Nigerians that he would collaborate with all security agencies to address the country’s security challenges.
“I will ensure that we monitor all activities of the Armed Forces and other security agencies to guarantee their professionalism. Any information received will be appropriately addressed, and I will ensure that the troops respond as swiftly as possible,” he said.
Stability
Urging governors and citizens to support his efforts, he pledged to work towards fully restoring stability in the country.
“I want to assure Nigerians that, having served 39 years in the Armed Forces, I understand the situation and what is required. Our resources may appear limited, but as we progress, we will communicate clearly what we need to perform effectively and achieve success.
“We can win this war, but we must work together. We need support, as gaps within the Armed Forces currently hinder complete operational success,” he added.
“As I said, state governors and all stakeholders must be on board. From day one, we will monitor and review all activities and operations, taking necessary measures to address any shortcomings. Where support is needed, we will engage accordingly. I also recognise that addressing funding gaps will be challenging.”
In his closing remarks, Senate President Senator Akpabio encouraged the new Defence Minister to advise President Tinubu on effective strategies to tackle insecurity.
Senator Akpabio urged General Musa to be firm, resolute, committed, and patriotic and to prioritise the nation’s interests.
“Advising the Commander-in-Chief requires firmness and commitment. The President has said that he welcomes corrections and will act upon them. Your role is critical, and we pray for your success,” he said.
General Musa, who was commissioned into the Nigerian Army as a second lieutenant in 1991, has held numerous command and staff positions.
In 2021, he was appointed Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, subsequently leading the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps before becoming Chief of Defence Staff in 2023.
His predecessor, Mohammed Badaru, who took office as Defence Minister on 21 August 2023, resigned on 1 December 2025, citing ill health.
General Musa, the 18th Chief of Defence Staff, served in that capacity from 2023 until October 2025. In 2021, he also received the Colin Powell Award for Soldiering.
Lateefah Ibrahim