Senate confirms ex-CDS, Gen. Christopher Musa, as Nigeria’s Defence Minister
The Senate has confirmed General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), as Nigeria’s new Defence Minister.
Musa’s nomination was approved on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 after senators reviewed his military record and asked him questions about the country’s security challenges.
During the screening, Musa promised to serve the nation with full dedication. He said Nigeria’s security problems belong to everyone, not just the armed forces.
“I believe the challenges we are facing are Nigerian challenges,” he said. “We will win if we work together as a team. Even when I was CDS, I tried to bring all the Service Chiefs together.”
He explained that there are gaps in the system that affect security operations and said he would work to ensure all agencies cooperate better. Musa also called for a national security database to help security agencies carry out their duties.
He urged local and state governments, as well as the legal system, to play stronger roles in tackling insecurity. Musa also insisted that ransom payments to kidnappers and terrorists must stop.
“There should be no negotiation with criminals,” he said. “If you negotiate with them, they use the money to buy more arms.”
He added that future recruitment into the armed forces would be more thorough. Responding to claims of Christian genocide in the country, Musa said terrorism affects everyone.
“We are all victims; everybody is being killed,” he said. “We must stop the killings and unite as a country.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised Musa for answering all questions clearly, saying he had not seen such a detailed screening since 1999. He encouraged Musa to visit the defence industries once he resumes office.
After the screening, Akpabio put Musa’s nomination to a voice vote, and the Senate approved it unanimously
