President Bola Tinubu has lauded the Nigerian Senate for promptly confirming General Christopher Musa (rtd) as the new Minister of Defence.
Following his nomination by the President on Tuesday, the Senate completed a rigorous five-hour screening on Wednesday, ultimately approving the appointment of the former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
In a statement shared on his official X account on Thursday, President Tinubu commended the Senate for its swift action, emphasising the timeliness of General Musa’s appointment during a pivotal moment for the nation.
“Two days ago, I transmitted the name of General Christopher G. Musa, our immediate past Chief of Defence Staff and a fine gentleman, to the Nigerian Senate for confirmation as the Federal Minister of Defence.
“I want to commend the Nigerian Senate for its expedited confirmation of General Musa yesterday. His appointment comes at a critical juncture in our lives as a Nation. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the President’s statement read.
President Tinubu had nominated General Musa to replace Mohammed Badaru, who resigned from the ministerial role due to health reasons. In his formal request to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the President urged the upper chamber to confirm Musa less than two months after the former CDS left office.
General Musa’s ascension to the ministerial post coincides with escalating insecurity across Nigeria, notably the rising incidents of mass abductions targeting schools. Among the recent events was the kidnapping of 25 students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, amid reports that troops stationed nearby had left shortly before the attack.
During his Senate screening, General Musa pledged to investigate the alleged troop withdrawal immediately and stressed that the military does not retreat from its responsibilities.
“We are going to go after them fully, working together with all the security agencies and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (of government),” the minister, wearing a kaftan and hula cap, stated, speaking in the presence of his family.
“We are going to investigate fully. The Armed Forces have a way, and then from the defence, we are going to make sure that we continue with the oversight over their activities.”
What you should know
General Christopher Musa has officially been confirmed as Nigeria’s Minister of Defence following a rapid Senate approval.
His appointment comes amid growing insecurity, with school abductions highlighting the urgency of bolstering security measures. At his screening, Musa pledged to investigate troop withdrawals during key incidents, emphasizing coordinated action across all security agencies and government ministries.
President Tinubu praised the Senate for its swift confirmation, framing Musa’s leadership as critical to Nigeria’s efforts to stabilize its security landscape. The minister’s appointment signals a proactive approach to addressing both operational oversight and strategic defence reforms.
