By:ThinkBusiness Africa
Nigerian president President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has on Tuesday nominated the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd.), as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence. The nomination, which was announced by the presidency, follows the resignation of the former Minister, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who stepped down on Monday citing health grounds.
According to presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the president forwarded the new ministerial nomination to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, expressed his confidence in General Musa’s extensive operational experience and strategic leadership capabilities.
“President Tinubu expressed confidence in General Musa’s ability to lead the Ministry of Defence and further strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.” Onanuga said.
The nomination comes at a pivotal moment for the West African country, which continues to grapple with persistent internal security threats, including terrorism, banditry, and mass kidnappings. The selection of a decorated and combat-proven military General is seen by observers as a clear signal of the Tinubu administration’s intent to bring deep operational experience to the helm of the country’s defense policy.
Alhaji Badaru Abubakar, a former two-term Governor of Jigawa State, was a non-military appointee who served as Minister of Defence from August 2023 until his resignation on December 1, 2025. General Musa is expected to replace him following the mandatory confirmation process by the Senate.
General Christopher Gwabin Musa, who will turn 58 on December 25, is a highly distinguished and decorated officer whose career spans over three decades in the Nigerian Army.
He served as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) from June 2023 until October 2025, where he oversaw the strategic command of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The General is renowned for his extensive command roles in Nigeria’s theatre of operations, notably serving as the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation HADIN KAI, where he led troops in the counter-insurgency efforts against Boko Haram and ISWAP.
The nomination letter has been officially received by the Senate. General Musa’s confirmation hearing is anticipated to focus on his strategic vision for tackling Nigeria’s persistent security challenges, including enhancing inter-agency cooperation, modernizing the military, and addressing the root causes of insecurity across the nation.
His appointment, if confirmed, would place a professional soldier in charge of the Ministry of Defence, a shift that is expected to bring a renewed focus on policy and tactical coordination between the political leadership and the armed forces.
