Key Points
- General CG Musa becomes defence minister after Senate confirms his nomination. Tinubu swears him in at State House Abuja on Thursday.
- He replaces Mohammed Badaru, who quit the role citing health. Musa returns after serving as Chief of Defence Staff until October.
- His appointment comes amid security emergency, mass abductions and fresh reforms. Analysts say his success depends on cutting attacks and lifting troop morale.
General Christopher Gwabin Musa has been sworn in as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence. President Bola Tinubu administered the oath at State House Abuja. The ceremony came amid rising security fears and military changes.
Musa’s swearing in follows his Senate confirmation on Wednesday. He replaces Mohammed Badaru, who recently resigned on health grounds. That change followed our Mohammed Badaru resignation report earlier in the week.
Musa served as Chief of Defence Staff until October. Tinubu later replaced him while overhauling the service chiefs and military command. Two days later the president nominated him as defence minister, pending Senate consent.
Ceremony at State House Abuja
Thursday’s ceremony held inside the Council Chamber at State House Abuja. Official photos clearly showed Musa standing before Tinubu. He then read the oath with a firm expression.
Top figures joined the short event inside the chamber. They included Senate President Godswill Akpabio and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. Catholic Bishop Matthew Kukah and Musa’s wife Lillian also stood nearby.
After the oath Tinubu praised the Senate for confirming Musa quickly. He called the appointment timely and vital for Nigeria’s security needs. Musa in turn promised renewed effort against attacks and kidnappings across Nigeria.
From defence chief to cabinet role
Musa led the armed forces as Chief of Defence Staff until October. Tinubu later replaced him with General Olufemi Oluyede in a wider reshuffle. Analysts say his quick return as minister shows Tinubu still trusts his experience.
His new job comes as retired generals warn about rising violence. Former defence chief Lucky Irabor urged politicians to stop funding terror groups. He broke down those threats in Irabor warning on politicians funding terrorism on ValidUpdates.
Tinubu declared a security emergency after mass abductions in the north. His team is recruiting thousands of new police officers and more soldiers.
The government also ordered police escorts off many VIP convoys. A later police VIP withdrawal order defended story explained that decision in more detail.
Public voices have also pressed Tinubu to back troops with better pay. Singer Harrysong recently linked low welfare to weak morale at the front. Musa is expected to shape that debate from inside the cabinet.
As minister he will steer defence policy for the armed forces. He must work closely with Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede. Nigerians will judge him by whether attacks fall and trust slowly returns.
For now Musa has not unveiled a full defence plan. He is expected to present clear targets once he settles into the role. Observers say his first moves must reassure kidnap victims and frontline families
