By Mo Hanif
The newly appointed Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), on Friday formally assumed office with a strong pledge to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture through unified action, improved troop welfare, intelligence-driven operations and strict accountability.
Speaking in Abuja on December 5, 2025, General Musa expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him, describing his appointment after 39 years of military service as both an honour and a solemn responsibility. He said the goodwill shown by Nigerians reflects deep public expectations that the tide can be turned against insecurity.
The Defence Minister stressed that Nigeria’s security challenges can only be solved by Nigerians themselves, urging collective ownership of the nation’s problems. He noted that success would come not through rhetoric, but decisive and consistent action.
Drawing from his experience as former Chief of Defence Staff, Musa assured personnel of renewed focus on their welfare and the efficient administration of the ministry. He stated that performance would be rewarded, while shortcomings would be addressed through corrective measures, stressing that entrenched habits and inefficiency would no longer be tolerated.
According to him, the task of securing Nigeria is continuous and requires teamwork across all services and institutions. He warned against operating in silos, noting that gaps between policy and execution weaken national security efforts. The Ministry of Defence, he said, must serve as a strong centre for strategic direction, coordination and accountability.
General Musa outlined three priority pillars that will shape his tenure. The first is enhanced joint operational synergy, including an immediate review of theatre commands and inter-service operations, with closer engagement between the ministry, the Chief of Defence Staff and service chiefs on training, equipment, welfare and strategy.
The second pillar is troop welfare and morale, which he described as a force multiplier. He promised timely provision of operational kits, prompt payment of allowances, and improved accommodation and medical care for personnel and their families, particularly families of fallen and wounded soldiers. He emphasised that those risking their lives for the country must be treated with dignity and respect.
The third pillar is intelligence-driven and technology-enabled defence. Musa said the ministry will leverage modern technology for intelligence gathering, surveillance and operations, while strengthening collaboration with allies, partners and other security agencies. He stressed that decisions must increasingly be driven by data and intelligence, alongside experience.
The Defence Minister also reaffirmed commitment to professionalism, integrity and urgency, insisting on zero tolerance for corruption, indiscipline and indolence. He assured Nigerians that respect for human rights would remain central to military operations, with mechanisms in place to address mistakes when they occur.
Addressing the broader security landscape, General Musa noted that not all challenges can be resolved through military means alone, highlighting the importance of good governance, justice, equity and fairness. He called for effective integration of both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to restore peace, allow children return to school and enable farmers go back to their fields.
He pledged full support to the Service Chiefs and called on civil servants in the ministry to apply their institutional knowledge to translate military objectives into effective administrative and budgetary policies.
Musa concluded by assuring Nigerians of his personal commitment to lead from the front, deliver tangible results and restore peace and stability across the country. “We can win, and we will win,” he said, expressing confidence in the resilience of the Armed Forces and the support of Nigerians.
— Abuja Network News