By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
FOLLOWING THE confirmation by the Senate, General Christopher Musa has been sworn in as Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, President Bola Tinubu announced on Thursday in Abuja.
The former chief of defence staff (CDS) replaces Mohammed Badaru, who resigned recently on health grounds. Musa’s appointment comes amid a national push to restructure the country’s security apparatus.
The brief swearing-in ceremony took place at the State House, a day after Musa underwent a five-hour screening by the Senate and received confirmation.
“Two days ago, I transmitted the name of General Christopher G. Musa, our immediate past Chief of Defence Staff and a fine gentleman, to the Nigerian Senate for confirmation as the Federal Minister of Defence,” President Tinubu wrote on X.
“I want to commend the Nigerian Senate for its expedited confirmation of General Musa yesterday. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the President added.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga shared photographs of the oath-taking ceremony on his X handle, capturing the event attended by several high-profile figures.
Among those present at the swearing-in were Musa’s wife, Godswill Akpabio; Senate President Nuhu Ribadu; National Security Adviser (NSA) Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Defence Staff Mathew Kukah; Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese Mathew Kukah; and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele.
During his Senate screening, Musa assured lawmakers of his dedication to serving Nigeria diligently if confirmed.
As a former chief of defence staff, he brings extensive military experience to his new role and is expected to spearhead key operational improvements across the armed forces.
President Tinubu’s post on X highlighted the timing of Musa’s appointment, describing it as occurring at a “critical juncture” in the lives of Nigerians.
Musa succeeds Mohammed Badaru, whose resignation on health grounds created a vacancy in the ministry.
The President’s announcement of Musa’s nomination and the Senate’s subsequent expedited confirmation underscore the administration’s focus on reinforcing national security.
The swearing-in ceremony emphasised both the formal and symbolic importance of the appointment.
Attendees included key figures from Nigeria’s legislative and security sectors, reflecting the collaborative effort to strengthen defence leadership.
The President’s communication underlined confidence in Musa’s ability to lead the Ministry of Defence, citing his prior experience as CDS and his record in the military.
Musa’s role is set against a backdrop of ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria’s security structures.
His leadership is anticipated to contribute to operational enhancements, strategic planning, and the coordination of national defence priorities.
The presence of senior officials at the ceremony, including the Senate President and NSA, demonstrated the government’s intent to align legislative and executive support for the Ministry of Defence under Musa’s tenure.
Musa’s confirmation by the Senate followed rigorous vetting and underscores parliamentary oversight in the appointment of ministers.
Lawmakers questioned him on national security priorities, defence strategy, and operational reforms during the five-hour session preceding the swearing-in.
The President’s public commendation of the Senate’s expedited process further highlighted the administration’s commitment to timely appointments in strategic positions.
Following the ceremony, the Ministry of Defence officially announced Musa’s assumption of office, noting his prior service as CDS and his mandate to strengthen Nigeria’s military readiness and operational capacity.
