Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence, Retired General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has pledged urgent action on welfare, joint operational reviews, and technology-driven intelligence to strengthen the country’s defence.
He delivered his speech at the swearing-in ceremony at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, days after his confirmation by the Senate, following the resignation of his predecessor.
The Minister stated that Nigerians must take ownership of national challenges and promised a ministry led by operational effectiveness, unified action, and strategic foresight, with immediate reviews of theatre commands and inter-service operations.
Musa emphasised that welfare is strategic and must be treated as such, ordering the timely provision of kits, prompt payment of operational allowances, and improved medical and accommodation support for troops and families of the fallen.
He said the ministry would serve as the strategic brain of Nigeria’s defence architecture, utilising technology for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
He promised to strengthen partnerships with allies and other security agencies and make sure decisions are guided by data rather than conjecture.
Musa called for the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, pledging to welcome candid advice while insisting that, once decisions are taken, the ministry must move as one team to deliver results for the Nigerian people.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Mr Richard Pheelangwa, reaffirmed the full loyalty and readiness of the ministry’s workforce to support the leadership of the new Minister of Defence during his assumption of office at Ship House in Abuja on Friday.
The ceremony, attended by Service Chiefs and senior defence officials, marked what the Permanent Secretary described as a significant moment for the ministry and the wider defence sector, as General Musa returns in a new capacity after decades of military service.
According to Mr Pheelangwa, the appointment of General Musa by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reflects national confidence in his experience, character, and capacity to reposition Nigeria’s security architecture.
“Your appointment by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is a clear testament to the nation’s confidence in your experience, character and capability to strengthen and reposition our security architecture,” he said.
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He noted that the Ministry of Defence, established 67 years ago with a combined civilian and military workforce of about 7,666 personnel, carries the statutory mandate of safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and global peacekeeping engagements.
Mr Pheelangwa described the event as a homecoming for the former Chief of Defence Staff, emphasising that his wealth of operational and strategic experience is expected to advance ongoing reforms and strengthen inter-agency coordination.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, pledged full backing for the Minister, vowing coordinated efforts to tackle Nigeria’s security challenges.
General Oluyede highlighted that Minister Musa’s prior experience and familiarity with the ministry would enable a more robust and unified approach to national defence.
“The Minister is not new to this ministry. As the Permanent Secretary rightly noted, he is a familiar figure who has always been accessible and supportive. We are glad to have him back, and we look forward to a more robust and coordinated approach to solving our security challenges,” the Chief of Defence Staff stated.
He emphasised the importance of sincerity and collective action in driving security reforms, adding that government support and the Minister’s leadership are crucial to achieving results.