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President Tinubu Appoints General Christopher Gwabin Musa as Nigeria’s Defence Minister
In a significant cabinet reshuffle, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has put forward General Christopher Gwabin Musa, the former Chief of Defence Staff, as the new Minister of Defence. This appointment comes in the wake of the recent resignation of Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar earlier this week. The official nomination was communicated to Senate President Godswill Akpabio through a formal letter submitted on Tuesday.
General Musa’s extensive military background and leadership experience position him as a strategic choice to oversee Nigeria’s defence portfolio amid ongoing security challenges. His tenure as Chief of Defence Staff was marked by efforts to enhance military coordination and operational effectiveness, qualities expected to be pivotal in his new ministerial role.
The Senate is now set to review and confirm the nomination, a process that underscores the importance of legislative oversight in key government appointments. This transition reflects the administration’s commitment to strengthening national security through experienced leadership.
General Musa, celebrating his 58th birthday on December 25, held the position of Chief of Defence Staff from 2023 until October 2025. He is recognized as one of Nigeria’s most seasoned and highly honored military leaders. Among his numerous accolades, he was awarded the distinguished Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012.
President Tinubu Affirms Trust in General Musa’s Leadership Amid Nigeria’s Security Challenges
In a recent statement from the State House, President Bola Tinubu conveyed his unwavering confidence in General Musa’s ability to enhance Nigeria’s security framework. As the country grapples with multifaceted security threats, the President emphasized that General Musa is well-equipped to steer the Ministry of Defence towards greater stability and resilience.
With Nigeria facing ongoing issues such as insurgency, banditry, and communal conflicts, the role of the Defence Ministry has never been more critical. President Tinubu’s endorsement highlights the administration’s commitment to reinforcing national security through experienced and capable leadership.
Celebrating an Illustrious Military Journey
An Exemplary Path in Armed Service
General Musa, a native of Sokoto born in 1967, pursued his early education within the state, completing both primary and secondary schooling locally. He then advanced to the College of Advanced Studies in Zaria. In 1986, he secured admission to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree by 1991. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, marking the beginning of his military career.
Throughout his distinguished career, General Musa has occupied numerous pivotal leadership and administrative roles, such as:
Throughout an extensive military career, this officer has held numerous pivotal roles, including General Staff Officer 1 for Training & Operations at Headquarters 81 Division and Commanding Officer of the 73 Battalion. He has also served as Assistant Director for Army Policy & Plans and represented the Infantry within the Nigerian Army Armour Corps Training Team. In 2019, he was appointed Deputy Chief of Staff (Training & Operations) at the Infantry Centre & Corps. His leadership extended to commanding Sector 3 during Operation Lafiya Dole and later the Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Region. He further led as Theatre Commander for Operation Hadin Kai and ultimately became the Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps. Currently, he serves as the Chief of Defence Staff for the period 2023 to 2025, overseeing strategic military operations and defense initiatives.
General Musa is renowned for implementing significant operational changes while commanding Operation Hadin Kai, Nigeria’s primary counterinsurgency effort in the Northeast region.
Moving Forward
What to Do Next
In the next few days, the Senate is set to review and approve General Musa’s nomination. Upon confirmation, his leadership is projected to revitalize the Ministry of Defence, bolstering efforts to combat terrorism, curb banditry, and address escalating security challenges nationwide.
On Tuesday, December 2, 2025, Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, made an official statement.
