By Our Reporter
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday officially swore in General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd) as Nigeria’s Minister of Defence at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
General Musa’s appointment follows the resignation of Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar on Monday, December 1, 2025. His nomination was announced the next day, transmitted to the Senate, and underwent an expedited screening and confirmation process.
Born in Sokoto in 1967, General Musa was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Nigerian Army in 1991. He enjoyed a distinguished military career, culminating in his appointment as Chief of Defence Staff by President Tinubu in 2023. He retired in October 2025 after spearheading inter-service security collaboration and implementing key reforms.
With his swearing-in, General Musa is expected to immediately assume ministerial duties, as the Tinubu administration aims to consolidate recent security gains and fast-track reforms to achieve lasting peace and stability across the country.
The ceremony was attended by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters Sen. Adeniyi Adegbonmire, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, and National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
Also present were Mrs. Lilian Oghogho Musa, the Minister’s spouse; Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede; Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Hassan Kukah; and Justice Kumai Bayang Akaahs (rtd).