Ex-Defence Chief Gen. Christopher Musa Nominated as New Defence Minister
ABUJA, NIGERIA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), as the new Minister of Defence, marking his potential return to the helm of Nigeria’s security architecture.
The President communicated the nomination in a letter to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday, formally proposing General Musa as the successor to Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who resigned on Monday.
A Decorated Military Career
General Musa, who will turn 59 on December 25th, is a decorated and highly respected military figure. His distinguished career culminated in his service as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) from 2023 until October 2025.
“President Tinubu expressed confidence in General Musa’s ability to lead the Ministry of Defence and further strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.”
A native of Sokoto, born in 1967, General Musa received his early education in his hometown before attending the College of Advanced Studies in Zaria, graduating in 1986. He immediately enrolled at the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy the same year, earning a Bachelor of Science degree upon graduation and his commissioning as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army in 1991.
Key Operational Roles
Throughout his career, General Musa has held several critical appointments, showcasing his expertise in training, operations, and command:
* Commander, Sector 3, Operation Lafiya Dole
* Commander, Sector 3 Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Region (2019)
* Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai (2021)
* Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps
His service was internationally recognized in 2012 when he was awarded the Colin Powell Award for Soldiering.
President Tinubu, in his letter to the Senate, expressed strong confidence in General Musa’s capacity to effectively lead the Ministry of Defence and further bolster the nation’s security architecture. His nomination is now subject to confirmation by the Nigerian Senate.
