General Christopher Musa Assumes Office as Defence Minister After Senate Confirmation

General Christopher Musa (rtd), Nigeria’s immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, has formally taken office as the nation’s new Minister of Defence, marking a swift transition following his appointment by President Bola Tinubu earlier in the week.

Musa, appointed on Tuesday and confirmed by the Senate on Thursday, arrived at the Ministry of Defence headquarters — Ship House, Abuja — on Friday to begin official duties. His appointment follows the resignation of former Defence Minister Muhammed Badaru.

The retired general, who served as Chief of Defence Staff from 2023 to 2025, is widely regarded as a firm and strategic leader. Security analysts and stakeholders have welcomed his return to frontline defence management, expressing confidence that his operational experience will strengthen ongoing military reforms and counter-insurgency operations.

Formal assumption of duty

Upon arrival, Musa inspected the quarter guard in accordance with military tradition and proceeded to exchange courtesies with service chiefs, senior officers and ministry directors.

At the time this report was filed, the new minister was in a closed-door meeting with the service chiefs and top officials of the ministry — his first strategic briefing since assuming the role.

His entry into the ministry is expected to bring renewed coordination across the armed forces and energise Nigeria’s defence architecture amid persistent security challenges.