On Thursday, December 4, 2025, Bola Tinubu administered the oath of office to Christopher Musa — the former Chief of Defence Staff — officially appointing him as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence. 

The ceremony, held at the State House in Abuja, came just a day after the Senate formally confirmed Musa following a rapid screening process. 

The appointment follows the resignation of Mohammed Badaru Abubakar — the former defence minister — who stepped down citing health reasons. 

Present at the swearing-in were key figures including Godswill Akpabio (Senate President), Nuhu Ribadu (National Security Adviser), the new Chief of Defence Staff, senior military and security chiefs, and members of Nigeria’s religious and legislative leadership. 

In his remarks, President Tinubu hailed the Senate for its “expedited confirmation” of Musa, stressing that the new appointment comes at a “critical juncture” for Nigeria’s security, and called on the nation’s defence apparatus to partner in restoring stability.