ABUJA: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially nominated General Christopher Gwabin Musa as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence, following the resignation of Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar on Monday.
In a formal letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu conveyed his confidence in General Musa’s ability to lead the Ministry of Defence and further strengthen the country’s security apparatus.
General Musa, 58, is a seasoned military officer with a distinguished career spanning over three decades. Born in Sokoto in 1967, he completed his primary and secondary education locally before attending the College of Advanced Studies in Zaria.
He graduated in 1986 and immediately enrolled at the Nigerian Defence Academy, earning a Bachelor of Science degree upon graduation in 1991.
Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1991, General Musa has held several key positions in the Nigerian Army.
His appointments include General Staff Officer 1, Training/Operations at HQ 81 Division; Commanding Officer of the 73 Battalion; Assistant Director, Operational Requirements at the Department of Army Policy and Plans; and Infantry Representative/Member, Training Team at HQ Nigerian Army Armour Corps.
He also played pivotal roles in national and regional security operations, serving as Deputy Chief of Staff, Training/Operations at Headquarters Infantry Centre and Corps in 2019, Commander of Sector 3 in Operation Lafiya Dole, and Commander of Sector 3 Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Region.
In 2021, he was appointed Theatre Commander for Operation Hadin Kai and later became Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps before assuming the position of Chief of Defence Staff in 2023.
General Musa’s outstanding service has earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012.
With his nomination, President Tinubu aims to reinforce Nigeria’s defence and security leadership at a critical time, entrusting General Musa with the task of steering the nation’s military operations and policy direction.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed the nomination.
