Abuja — December 3, 2025 | Dalena Reporters
The Nigerian Senate has commenced the screening of former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, following his nomination by Bola Tinubu as the new Minister of Defence.
General Musa’s rise to ministerial nomination followed the resignation of the previous Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who stepped down citing health reasons.
During the Senate session, the letter from President Tinubu formally nominating Musa was read on the floor, and the exercise of vetting began almost immediately in a plenary convened under a “Committee of the Whole.” Musa introduced himself and addressed senators around 2:15 pm as questions from lawmakers ensued.
The timing and urgency of the screening happening just days after a national security emergency was declared — highlight the critical role the Ministry of Defence is expected to play in the government’s bid to confront rising insurgency, banditry, and organised violence across multiple regions.
A coalition of youth and regional stakeholder groups has expressed public support for Musa’s nomination, arguing that his operational experience and military track record make him a suitable choice at a moment of acute insecurity.
As the screening unfolds, national watchers will be looking for how soon the Senate confirms Musa and whether his confirmation marks the start of renewed traction in Nigeria’s security strategy.