Nigeria’s immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd.), has officially taken the oath of office as the country’s new Minister of Defence, in a ceremony held at the State House, Abuja, on Thursday.
Administered by President Bola Tinubu, the ceremony marked a key step in the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen national security.
The President urged General Musa to leverage his operational expertise, strategic insight, and institutional knowledge of the Armed Forces to reinforce Nigeria’s defence architecture.
General Musa’s appointment had been swiftly confirmed by the Senate on Wednesday, reflecting broad confidence in his ability to lead at a critical juncture for national security.
His tenure comes as the administration intensifies reforms across the security sector and consolidates recent military successes against terrorism, banditry, and other security threats.
In his remarks, President Tinubu highlighted key priorities for the Defence Ministry under Musa’s leadership, including promoting synergy among the services, accelerating institutional reforms, sustaining momentum in joint operations, ensuring transparent procurement and improved personnel welfare as well as enhancing inter-agency coordination.
A highly experienced officer, Musa commanded major counterterrorism operations in the North-East and has provided strategic oversight for military operations nationwide.
He assured the President and the nation of his unwavering commitment to operational efficiency, modernization of defence capabilities, troop welfare, and collaboration with local communities.
“We will maintain pressure on the enemies of the state and ensure peace returns to every community,” Musa said, emphasizing intelligence-driven operations and morale-boosting initiatives for troops.
Following the induction, senior officials, including National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, service chiefs, and members of the Federal Executive Council, congratulated Musa, noting that his appointment marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s security management.
General Musa’s swearing-in ends weeks of speculation over leadership of the Defence Ministry following the resignation of former minister Abubakar Badaru.
Analysts widely welcomed his appointment, citing his experience, discipline, and credibility as vital to driving reforms, strengthening military readiness, and restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s security sector.
In the coming days, Musa is expected to hold inaugural briefings with service chiefs and senior ministry officials as he begins shaping Nigeria’s defence priorities for the years ahead.
