President Bola Tinubu has sworn in Christopher Musa, former chief of defence staff (CDS), as the new minister of defence.
Musa replaces Mohammed Badaru, who recently resigned on health grounds.
The brief ceremony took place at the State House on Thursday — a day after the senate screened and confirmed Musa’s nomination.
In a post on X, Tinubu praised the senate for its “expedited confirmation”, adding that Musa’s appointment comes at a “critical juncture” in the lives of Nigerians.
“Two days ago, I transmitted the name of General Christopher G. Musa, our immediate past Chief of Defence Staff and a fine gentleman, to the Nigerian Senate for confirmation as the Federal Minister of Defence,” he wrote.
“I want to commend the Nigerian Senate for its expedited confirmation of General Musa yesterday. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
As a former chief of defence staff, Musa brings extensive military experience and is expected to spearhead key operational improvements across the armed forces.
At his screening, Musa had assured lawmakers of his commitment to serve Nigeria diligently if confirmed.
Among those present at the swearing in are, Godswill Akpabio, senate president; Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser (NSA); Olufemi Oluyede, chief of defence staff; Mathew Kukah, Catholic bishop of the Sokoto diocese and Opeyemi Bamidele, senate leader.
Below are photos.
