Tag: Defence Minister

The Senate on Wednesday approved General Christopher Musa as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence after completing his screening session. Lawmakers began the exercise shortly after Senate President Godswill Akpabio read President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request, which sought Musa’s confirmation to replace Mohammed Badaru. Badaru stepped down on Monday, citing health-related concerns. Musa’s nomination was forwarded to the Senate on Tuesday, with Tinubu expressing confidence in his ability to reinforce the nation’s security structure and revamp the ministry at a time when insecurity continues to escalate across the country. Earlier reports indicated that the Senate had already commenced Musa’s screening on Wednesday in response to the President’s nomination.

President Bola Tinubu has put forward the name of former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), for appointment as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence. Tinubu confirmed the nomination in a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, stating that Musa would replace Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, who resigned on Monday. Gen. Musa served as Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff from 2023 until October 2025 and is widely regarded for his military service, including winning the prestigious Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012. Born in Sokoto in 1967, Musa completed his early education in the state before attending the College of Advanced Studies in Zaria. He finished in 1986 and immediately enrolled at the Nigerian Defence Academy, where he graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree. His nomination is now before the Senate for confirmation.