Tinubu nominates ex-CDS Christopher Musa as Defence Minister

President Bola Tinubu has nominated former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (rtd), as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence, following the sudden resignation of Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar on Monday.

In a letter transmitted to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu sought the confirmation of the 58-year-old retired general, describing him as a seasoned professional capable of strengthening Nigeria’s defence and security framework.

Gen.Musa previously served as Chief of Defence Staff from 2023 to October 2025 and won the prestigious Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012.

Born in Sokoto in 1967, he completed his primary and secondary education in the state before attending the College of Advanced Studies, Zaria. After graduating in 1986, he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy the same year, earning a B.Sc. in 1991.

Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, Musa rose through the ranks with a career marked by key operational and training appointments. These include: General Staff Officer 1 (Training/Operations) at HQ 81 Division; Commanding Officer, 73 Battalion; Assistant Director of Operational Requirements, Army Policy and Plans; and Infantry Representative at the HQ Nigerian Army Armour Corps training team.

His command experience spans several critical theatres. In 2019, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff (Training/Operations) at the Infantry Corps headquarters, Commander of Sector 3 under Operation Lafiya Dole, and later Commander of Sector 3 of the Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad region.

By 2021, Musa was appointed Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, before later becoming Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps. President Tinubu appointed him Chief of Defence Staff in 2023.

In his communication to the Senate, President Tinubu expressed full confidence in Musa’s capacity to steer the Ministry of Defence at a time when Nigeria continues to confront multiple security challenges.

The nomination now awaits Senate screening and confirmation.