Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd.), has charged both military and civilian staff of the Ministry of Defence to demonstrate initiative and commitment to duty without waiting for instructions.
Musa gave the directive on Friday while formally assuming office at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
He pledged to lead with urgency, accountability, and a renewed national purpose, noting that Nigerians expect transformation in the security sector.
The former Chief of Defence Staff said he was returning to the ministry with the strong backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the confidence of the Nigerian people.
Reflecting on his 39 years of military service, Musa said Nigerians had shown immense support and trust in his leadership.
“Change will not come from rhetoric but through action by all Nigerians. We must take ownership of our national challenges — they are ours to solve,” he said.
He emphasized the need to restore peace and stability across the country, declaring that the era of shedding innocent blood must end.
According to him, every citizen deserves to live without fear, children should safely return to school, and farmers must be able to access their farmlands again.
Musa assured that the welfare of military personnel and their families would remain a top priority, describing it as essential to boosting morale and operational effectiveness.
He said anyone willing to lay down their life for Nigeria “deserves the utmost respect,” pledging that the ministry would act swiftly to provide adequate military kits, prompt operational allowances, decent accommodation and proper medical care, especially for injured soldiers and bereaved families.
The minister outlined his strategic direction for the Defence Ministry, built on three key pillars:
1. Operational effectiveness
2. Unity of effort across all services
3. Strategic foresight guided by data and intelligence
He promised thorough evaluations of all theatre commands and inter-service operations to eliminate silos, stressing that once decisions are made, all services must act as a united team.
Musa identified technology, intelligence, collaboration with allies, and enhanced inter-agency coordination as vital components of modern defence management.
He warned that there would be zero tolerance for indiscipline, corruption, and bureaucratic bottlenecks.
“If we make mistakes, we must take corrective action immediately,” he said.
Musa underscored the importance of a motivated workforce and acknowledged the critical role of the civil service, describing civil servants as “the institutional memory and backbone” of the ministry.
He said he relied on their expertise to turn military objectives into realistic administrative and budgetary policies.
The minister called for unity, determination, and faith among Nigerians, declaring:
“We are hitting the ground running. The task ahead is huge, but achievable. We can win. We will win.”
The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Richard Pheelangwa, described Musa’s assumption of office as a significant moment for national security, affirming the ministry’s full commitment to supporting his leadership.
He said Musa’s appointment reflects President Tinubu’s confidence in his capacity and experience.
Similarly, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, said Musa’s arrival signals a new era of sincerity, unity, and collective resolve.
Oluyede pledged complete cooperation from the Armed Forces, noting that rebuilding public confidence and improving operational outcomes would require joint effort.
“We are ready for a more robust approach. We must be sincere and work together. The government must show the willpower, and we need the minister’s buy-in to succeed,” he said.
