Nigerian Senate Set To Screen Defence Minister Nominee, Christopher Musa

December 3, 2025
News

The Senate is set to screen the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, on Wednesday following his nomination by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the new Minister of Defence.

General Musa’s nomination comes in the wake of the resignation of former Defence Minister, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, who stepped down due to health-related concerns.

The announcement was confirmed by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, who emphasized that the screening is a vital step toward reinforcing Nigeria’s internal security amid growing threats across the country.

President Tinubu formally forwarded Musa’s name to Senate President Godswill Akpabio in a letter transmitted on Tuesday. According to Bamidele, the letter “will be read on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday,” after which the lawmakers will immediately commence the screening process, in line with Section 147 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“We cannot delay such a request, especially at this crucial time in the history of our fatherland,” Bamidele stated. He added that the Senate views the nomination as a matter of national importance, essential to sustaining ongoing operations against bandits, extremists, terrorists, and other threats undermining Nigeria’s security.

Bamidele also stressed the need for collaboration between the Presidency and the National Assembly, especially following President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency on national security. He noted that screening the defence minister nominee is a demonstration of this partnership in the interest of peace, stability, and good governance.

General Musa, who turns 58 on December 25, served as Chief of Defence Staff from 2023 until October 2025.