JUST IN: Senate Confirms ex-CDS General Christopher Musa As New Defence Minister
By Trek Africa Newspaper
The Senate has confirmed the former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (retd.), as the new Minister of Defence.
The Senate confirmed Musa on Wednesday via a voice vote after a rigorous screening session in which lawmakers asked him many questions.
Musa, who retired barely 40 days ago, was nominated by President Bola Tinubu as the Defence Minister on Tuesday. His nomination was transmitted to the Senate the same day for confirmation.
Tinubu had, in a letter transmitted to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, urged the lawmakers to consider the former CDS’ nomination.
During his appearance on Wednesday, December 3, Musa pledged to overhaul military professionalism and launched a defence of the nation’s capacity to defeat its internal adversaries.
Musa opened his remarks by assuring the Senate and Nigerians of his commitment to national security.
“I pledge to do my best to ensure that Nigeria is secure and safe. We need the support of everyone, every Nigerian, working together as a team because it’s going to be a team effort,” he stated.
General Christopher Musa (retd.): Answering questions from Senators
He described the current security threats as “evil forces that don’t mean well for this country and have no respect for human lives,” and emphasised the need for unified national support to deny them success.
Drawing on his 39 years of military service, Musa affirmed his understanding of the security challenges and the necessary solutions.
He said, “I want to assure Nigerians that as I’m coming on board, having served 39 years. All through my career in the armed forces, we have seen what is going on, we have understood what is going on, and we know what we need.”
In 2021, General Musa was appointed Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai.
He later became Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps before his appointment as Chief of Defence Staff by President Tinubu in 2023.
Musa served as CDS from 2023 to October 2025, when the President relieved him of the job.
