-Senate to screen ex-Chief of Defence Staff today
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated the former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence, succeeding Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who tendered his resignation.
In an official letter forwarded to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu described General Musa as a distinguished and accomplished officer with the requisite experience to lead the Ministry of Defence and further strengthen the nation’s security architecture.
General Musa, 58, has served as Chief of Defence Staff since June 2023. A seasoned infantry officer, he previously held several high-profile commands, including Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai (2021), Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps, Commander of Sector 3 of the Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad region, and Deputy Chief of Staff (Training/Operations) at Army Headquarters.
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Born on 25 December 1967 in Sokoto, General Musa began his military career when he enrolled at the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1986. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1991 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1991. His distinguished career includes serving as Commanding Officer of 73 Battalion, Assistant Director of Operational Requirements in the Department of Army Policy and Plans, and General Staff Officer 1 Training/Operations at Headquarters 81 Division.
A recipient of the prestigious Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012, General Musa is widely respected for his leadership in counter-insurgency operations and contributions to regional security efforts.
President Tinubu expressed full confidence in General Musa’s ability to provide strategic direction to the Ministry of Defence at a critical time in Nigeria’s security evolution.
The nomination is now before the Senate for confirmation. If approved, General Musa will combine his role as Chief of Defence Staff with ministerial responsibilities until a successor is appointed to the military position, in line with established precedent.
