By Kingston Magare 2.12.2025
President Bola Tinubu Tuesday nominated General Christopher Gwabin Musa to be Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence.
General Musa’s nomination was conveyed to the Senate president Godswill Akpabio in a letter by President Tinubu. He he expressed confidence in the former Chief of Army Staff ability to lead the Ministry of Defence and further strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
Following the upsurge of violent crimes of killings and abductions mostly by suspected Fulani Militia and Boko Haram terrorists, couple with government’s seemingly inability to tackle the problem, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, resigned as Minister of Defence on Monday. Tinubu met with General Musa later on Monday at the State House, Abuja.
General Musa, 58, is a distinguished soldier who served as Chief of Defence Staff from 2023 until October 2025. He won the Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012.
Meanwhile the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has backed the appointment of General Musa who served as Chief of Defence Staff from June 23, 2023, until his retirement on Oct. 24, 2025.
“General Musa, a seasoned and distinguished military officer, he is a perfect fit as the new Defence Minister,” NCSCN Executive Director, Blessing Akinlosotu, said in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
“Musa has a proven track record of leadership, strategic thinking, and expertise in security matters.’’
He added that during Musa’s tenure as Chief of Defence Staff, he demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, driving significant reforms and improvements in the Nigerian Armed Forces.”
Akinlosotu listed some of Musa’s notable achievements as: “Successful implementation of Operation Hadarin Daji, which led to the liberation of several territories from terrorist control.
“The enhancement of regional cooperation and collaboration on security issues; strengthening of the Nigerian Armed Forces’ capabilities through training and equipment upgrades; promotion of professionalism and discipline within the military.’’