The Senate on Wednesday confirmed former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (rtd), as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence, following an extensive screening session marked by probing questions from lawmakers on national security, counterterrorism, and defence sector reforms.
Musa, who retired from service just 40 days ago, was nominated on Tuesday by President Bola Tinubu to take charge of the Defence Ministry. His nomination was transmitted to the Senate the same day, signalling the administration’s urgency in filling the strategic portfolio amid ongoing security challenges.
During the screening, senators engaged the retired military chief on a wide range of issues, including military welfare, restructuring the armed forces for efficiency, strengthening inter-agency cooperation, tackling banditry and insurgency, and improving Nigeria’s defence industrial capacity. Lawmakers sought Musa’s views on how he intends to address persistent security threats, including terrorism in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, oil theft in the Niger Delta, and rising violent crime across the country.
In his responses, Musa pledged to work relentlessly to restore peace and stability nationwide, emphasising the need for improved intelligence gathering, enhanced training and equipment for troops, and strengthened cooperation among security agencies. He also assured the Senate that he would prioritise the welfare of military personnel, noting that morale and motivation are critical to operational success.
After the question-and-answer session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio put Musa’s confirmation to a voice vote, and the majority of lawmakers approved his appointment.
With his confirmation, General Musa is expected to bring his operational experience and institutional knowledge into the Defence Ministry, where he will oversee Nigeria’s military policy direction and coordinate efforts to tackle the country’s complex security landscape. His appointment comes at a time when the Federal Government is seeking to consolidate recent gains in the fight against insurgency and improve security in all regions of the country.
