Nigeria's newly confirmed Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has declared that he cannot afford to fail the Nigerian people in the critical task of tackling the nation's security challenges. The retired General made this solemn pledge during his screening before the Senate on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
A Heavy Burden of Expectation
General Musa told the lawmakers that the weight of public expectation rests heavily on his shoulders, transforming his new role into both a personal and national burden. He expressed that Nigerians are looking to him for concrete results in ending violence, and he is resolved not to disappoint them.
His nomination by President Bola Tinubu, following the resignation of Mohammed Badaru, sparked significant reactions across the country. Musa stated that the volume of messages and public discourse following his appointment shocked him and served as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to deliver results and halt the rampant killings.
Pledge for a Unified, Decisive Response
The former Chief of Defence Staff asserted that the public reaction convinced him citizens are eager for a more decisive security approach. He warned that criminal gangs and violent groups thrive when communities and institutions are divided, emphasizing that these elements operate without regard for human life.
"The country must confront violent groups with unity because attackers target everyone without distinction," Musa stated. He maintained that Nigeria must not allow more killings and that halting the violence would be his core mission as minister.
Senate Confirmation and a Storied Career
The Senate confirmed General Musa after a thorough five-hour screening session on December 3, which examined his extensive record, operational experience, and plans for the defence architecture. His nomination was formally conveyed to the Senate the previous day, December 2, in a letter from President Tinubu, who expressed full confidence in his capacity.
Musa's credentials include:
- Service as Chief of Defence Staff from 2023 until October 2025.
- Decades of service in key operational, training, and command roles, including in the Northeast and Lake Chad region.
- Recipient of the prestigious Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012.
- A graduate of the Nigerian Defence Academy, commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1991.
With the confirmation process complete, General Musa told senators that the task ahead would demand intense focus, discipline, and collaboration among security agencies and citizens alike. He assured that the Ministry of Defence under his leadership would confront all threats with unwavering determination and clarity.
