President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially nominated former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, to serve as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence following the resignation of Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar.
The nomination was formally communicated to Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Monday through a presidential letter, requesting parliamentary confirmation of Musa’s appointment. President Tinubu emphasized his confidence in the retired general’s ability to enhance national security and strengthen the country’s defence structures.
A Soldier with Decades of Distinguished service
General Musa, who will be 58 on December 25, is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished senior military officers. His career spans more than three decades, during which he served in key operational and leadership roles.
He was honoured with the prestigious Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012, recognizing his professional excellence and military leadership.
Early Life and Education
Born in Sokoto in 1967, Musa completed his primary and secondary education in the same state before proceeding to the College of Advanced Studies in Zaria. He gained admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1986 and completed a Bachelor of Science degree in 1991.
Upon graduating, he was commissioned into the Nigerian Army as a Second Lieutenant, beginning a long career marked by strategic postings and operational achievements.
Military Career and Strategic Appointments
General Musa held multiple command and staff positions, including:
General Staff Officer 1, Training and Operations, HQ 81 Division
Commanding Officer, 73 Battalion
Assistant Director, Operational Requirements, Army Policy and Plans
Infantry Representative, Training Team, Army Armour Corps
He also played significant roles in counterterrorism operations. Between 2019 and 2021, he served as:
Deputy Chief of Staff, Training and Operations
Commander, Sector 3, Operation Lafiya Dole
Commander, Sector 3, Multinational Joint Task Force, Lake Chad
In 2021, Musa was appointed Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, a foremost military campaign targeting insurgency in Northeast Nigeria. He later led the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps, before being appointed Chief of Defence Staff in 2023 by President Tinubu.
National Security Mandate
In his letter to the Senate, President Tinubu described Musa as a seasoned professional capable of driving reforms within the Ministry of Defence and reinforcing Nigeria’s security architecture at a critical time. The President urged swift legislative approval to ensure seamless leadership transition.
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The nomination comes shortly after the resignation of former minister Badaru Abubakar, who stepped down on health grounds.