President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd) as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence, following the resignation of the previous minister, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar.
In a letter to the Senate President, President Tinubu conveyed confidence that Musa’s extensive military experience and strategic background make him well-suited to lead the defence ministry at a time of heightened national security concerns.
General Musa, 58 years old, brings a long record of service: commissioned into the Nigerian Army in 1991, he held command positions across key military operations including as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps, and most recently as CDS until October 2025.
Observers and several Northern governors have welcomed the nomination, describing it as a timely move likely to inject renewed focus and leadership into the Ministry of Defence and strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
The nomination is now before the Senate for confirmation, with proponents urging speedy approval given the urgent security challenges facing the nation.
