General Christopher Gwabin Musa was sworn in today, December 4, 2025, as Nigeria’s Minister of Defence at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, taking over from Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who resigned on health grounds.
The ceremony marked Musa’s official assumption of office after his confirmation by the Senate yesterday.
Musa, who was nominated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on December 2, 2025, faced five hours of questioning during his Senate confirmation before being approved.
Speaking at the ceremony, Musa pledged to tackle recent security lapses, including the abduction of schoolchildren in Kebbi State, and promised to strengthen military oversight and operational efficiency.
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He called for improved coordination between federal, state, and local governments, and proposed a unified national database linking citizen identity, banking, and security systems to enhance security planning.
Musa also emphasized the urgent need for timely military funding, advocating that the Nigerian Army be placed on First-Line Charge in the national budget.
His appointment marks a return to military-experienced leadership at the Ministry of Defence at a time when Nigeria faces rising security challenges across the country.