Nigeria’s newly appointed Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), has taken his oath of office at the State House in Abuja. The swearing-in ceremony, held on Wednesday, marks the official beginning of his tenure as the country’s top defence administrator.
General Musa, who was confirmed by the Senate on December 3, took the oath before the President on December 4. His appointment comes at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with serious security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and communal conflicts across different regions.
General Musa’s appointment is seen as a strategic move by the federal government to strengthen the country’s security leadership. The retired general previously served as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), where he oversaw joint military operations involving the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
During his time as CDS, he worked closely with security agencies to combat Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), bandit groups, and other criminal networks. His experience in counter-terrorism and military operations is expected to play a major role in his new assignment.
General Musa’s confirmation by the Senate came after he answered questions on defence policy, military welfare, intelligence sharing, and inter-agency cooperation. Lawmakers praised his track record and expressed confidence in his ability to coordinate military reforms that will improve security.
Many Nigerians hope his leadership will bring renewed energy to the fight against insecurity. The Defence Ministry has been under pressure to increase efficiency, improve military morale, and strengthen coordination among security agencies.
During the swearing-in ceremony, the President congratulated the new minister and urged him to focus on restoring peace across troubled regions. He emphasised the need for unity within the armed forces and improved support for troops on the frontlines.
Although General Musa did not speak at length after taking his oath, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and promised to work tirelessly to defend the nation. He assured Nigerians that he would bring discipline, professionalism, and renewed commitment to the ministry.
With General Musa now officially in office, the Defence Ministry is expected to begin new consultations with service chiefs, military commanders, and intelligence agencies. The government has also signalled plans to strengthen partnerships with regional and international allies to tackle cross-border threats.
