With the oath-taking, General Musa assumes the role of chief driver of Nigeria’s defence policy at a time of evolving security challenges.
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday ushered in a new phase in Nigeria’s defence leadership as he formally inaugurated General Christopher Gwabin Musa as Minister of Defence, an appointment widely seen as central to the administration’s push to recalibrate national security.
The brief but symbolic ceremony, held at the President’s first floor office in the State House, Abuja, underscored the urgency with which the administration is resetting its defence architecture.
With the oath-taking, General Musa assumes the role of chief driver of Nigeria’s defence policy at a time of evolving security challenges.
His appointment follows the sudden resignation of former Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru on Monday, who stepped down citing health concerns. Within 24 hours, President Tinubu forwarded General Musa’s name to the Senate, setting off a swift confirmation process.
The retired Chief of Defence Staff faced an intensive three-hour screening on Wednesday, during which he fielded probing questions from lawmakers on national security, defence strategy and institutional reforms.
His performance drew bipartisan commendation, culminating in a unanimous Senate vote confirming him as minister.
Ahead of the swearing-in, President Tinubu publicly appreciated the Senate for treating the confirmation with urgency, reflecting both the administration’s and the legislature’s alignment on strengthening Nigeria’s defence leadership.
“I want to commend the Nigerian Senate for its expedited confirmation of General Musa yesterday,” Tinubu shared on his verified X handle, @officialABAT this afternoon.
Gen Musa expressed thanks to all Nigerians for their show of love and for the confidence reposed in him, promising not to fail.
“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,” he said.
He assured that synergy among the armed forces and other security personnel will be promoted by the ministry.
“My immediate priority is to make sure that defence takes its place fully in the country. The synergy between the armed forces and other security agencies and all Nigerians are being carried along. As we have always said, security is everybody’s responsibility.
“It is that synergy that we need to build on and work on it, and that’s what we’re going to do and I can assure you, within the shortest possible time, Nigerians will see results,” he emphasised.
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