- Tinubu has nominated former Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) General Christopher Gwabin Musa to be confirmed as the new Defense Minister.
- The nomination was submitted to the Senate just 24 hours after the resignation of former minister, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar.
- President Tinubu expressed full confidence in General Moussa’s vast experience and strategic vision, stressing his “excellent ability to coordinate joint military operations” and his qualifications to provide strategic leadership for national security.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has forwarded the name of former Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, to the Nigerian Senate for confirmation as the country’s new Defense Minister.
The nomination was formally read out in the Senate on Tuesday by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, just 24 hours after the resignation of former minister, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar.
distinguished military career
General Christopher Musa, who will turn 58 on December 25, is considered one of Nigeria’s most accomplished senior military officers. He was born in Sokoto State in 1967 and graduated from the Nigerian Defense Academy (NDA) before being commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army in 1991.
His career included many high-impact command and staff appointments. Key milestones include:
Commander, Sector 3 Operation “LAFIYA DOLE” (Northeast Counterinsurgency)
Commander, Multinational Joint Task Force Sector 3 (Lake Chad Basin)
Theater Commander, Operation Hardinkai (2021-2023)
Chief of Defense Staff (June 2023 to October 2025)
General Moussa gained international recognition in 2012 when he received the prestigious Colin Powell Distinguished Soldier Award at the U.S. Army Course.
presidential confidence
In his nomination letter, President Tinubu expressed full confidence in General Moussa’s vast experience, strategic vision and proven track record in combating insecurity. The president wrote:
“The nominee has demonstrated an exceptional ability to coordinate joint military operations and enhance inter-Service synergy,” he said, adding that General Moussa is “well qualified to provide the strategic leadership needed to further solidify the gains in our national security architecture.”
The Senate has referred the nomination to the defense committees for expedited screening.
