By Cross Stone
The Senate has confirmed retired General Christopher Gwabin Musa as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence, following his nomination by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to replace Mohammed Badaru, who stepped down on health grounds.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the President’s request during Wednesday’s plenary, after which lawmakers suspended their rules to fast-track the screening process. The former Chief of Defence Staff, 58, was subsequently vetted and approved.
Musa, who served as CDS from 2023 until October 2025, now takes charge of the defence ministry at a time the government faces rising security threats nationwide. His appointment signals the administration’s push for renewed strategy and stronger military coordination in tackling insecurity.
