After being sworn in as Defence Minister, Gen. Christopher Musa promised Nigerians that the nation’s security situation would soon see significant improvements. General Musa was officially sworn in at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, subsequent to his Senate screening and confirmation on Wednesday after a five-hour session of questioning. He was appointed as
After being sworn in as Defence Minister, Gen. Christopher Musa promised Nigerians that the nation’s security situation would soon see significant improvements.
General Musa was officially sworn in at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, subsequent to his Senate screening and confirmation on Wednesday after a five-hour session of questioning.
He was appointed as the new Minister of Defence following the resignation of Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who stepped down from his cabinet position on Monday due to health reasons.
Speaking to journalists after his swearing in, he assured Nigerians of his results “soon” in the country’s push to tackle insecurity. He assured the effective coordination of all security agencies.
“It is that synergy that we need to build on and work on, and that’s what we are going to do. I can assure you, within the shortest possible time, Nigerians will see results,” the newly sworn-in minister said.
“I want to use this medium to appreciate all Nigerians. Nigerians have shown me love, and I will guarantee them that I am going to work, whatever it takes, to ensure that Nigeria is secured.
General Musa’s Screening and Confirmation at the Senate
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, presented the nomination of General Musa to the Senate for his confirmation as the new defence minister after the resignation of Alhaji Mohammed Badaru on Monday, December 1st, 2025.
During Wednesday’s plenary session, the Senate President announced before General Musa arrived at the house that the confirmation exercise would proceed behind closed doors.
Upon the nominee’s arrival, the Senate President formally introduced him to members of the house, praising his service and accomplishments as the Chief of Defence Staff.
The screening was chaired by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who had earlier announced General Musa’s nomination by President Bola Tinubu to the National Assembly on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.
During the screening, the Senate President described the nomination as timely and appropriate, especially given the ongoing security challenges in the country.
“A minister must go through screening, and that is why you are here today. Even before your letter got here, we have prepared for you. If you are cleared by the senate and assist us in fighting insecurity in the country, it will be a good one for us as a country.
“Your appointment came at the time when our children are in the bush, and we expect that you offer solutions to how they can be saved and brought out of the bush.”
The Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jubrin, commended his effort. According to him, “When General Musa served as the chief of defence staff, the country’s security was outstanding. I was very happy when I heard of his appointment,” he said.
Furthermore, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno from Borno state asked how he will tackle insecurity, especially with his new duty: “You were serving at the operational level; now you have moved to the Policy level. What are you bringing so Nigeria can be assured of your appointment?”
General Musa, providing answers to the questions raised by senators, said the insecurity challenges in the country can be overcome through a collective responsibility from Nigerians, regardless of their positions in the country.”
“We can not do it alone; we need the support of everyone in Nigeria because it is going to be a team effort. The enemies we are working on do not have regard for human lives. I want to, as I did when I was the chief of defence staff. We need to put our hands together to defeat the enemy. We can see what they are doing to Mali, which is why our border must be secured.
“Nobody can intimidate us. No matter what the world says, everyone knows Nigeria is great. We shall work together with everyone, including the state governors.
However, Senator Mohammed Sani Musa from Niger moved the motion to end the idea of further questioning. He advised that the nominee be released to avoid revealing sensitive answers.
The Senate president objected to the motion, stating that “Nigerians believe he has something to offer. Let’s give him an opportunity. Anything you want to carry out your duty will be granted to you by the Senate. Many people are after our neck, including the U.S president. We shouldn’t conclude that he has to take a bow when we haven’t heard enough from him as the minister to be.”
Senator Mohammed Sani Musa from Niger East, said, “Your appointment during the issue of insecurity at the most difficult time in the history of this country. More has to be done in that circle. Can you propose to the president to have a reserve army?
“Situations like this do not demand recruits; it is not only funding that motivates, but you can also propose things that will motivate them. Many Nigerian youths see what is happening on social media, which discourages youth from enrolling in the armed forces.”
After the screening exercise, the Senate confirmed his nomination after a closed-door screening in the National Assembly, where senators assessed his competence.
General Musa’s Career Background
General Musa, before his appointment, was nominated and confirmed by the Nigerian National Assembly to serve as Chief of Defence Staff from 2023 until October 2025. He was a recipient of the Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012.
Born in Sokoto in 1967, General Musa received his primary and secondary education there before attending the College of Advanced Studies in Zaria. He graduated in 1986 and enrolled at the Nigerian Defence Academy the same year, earning a Bachelor of Science degree upon graduation in 1991.
General Musa was commissioned into the Nigerian Army as a Second Lieutenant in 1991 and has since had a distinguished career. His appointments include General Staff Officer 1, Training/Operations at HQ 81 Division; Commanding Officer, 73 Battalion; Assistant Director, Operational Requirements, Department of Army Policy and Plans; and Infantry Representative/Member, Training Team, HQ Nigerian Army Armour Corps.
In 2019, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff, Training/Operations, Headquarters Infantry Centre and Corps; Commander, Sector 3, Operation Lafiya Dole; and Commander, Sector 3 Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Region.
Also, in 2021, General Musa was appointed Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai. He later became Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps before being appointed Chief of Defence Staff by President Tinubu in 2023.
With his confirmation as the Minister of Defence, he would serve as the civilian political head of the Ministry of Defence, responsible for the formulation and execution of national defence policy and the overall administrative oversight of the armed forces.
Also, he would report to the President, who is the Commander-in-Chief and holds the sole authority for operational command of the troops.
