The Senate on Wednesday confirmed former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (retd.), as Minister of Defence following a tense and rigorous five-hour screening session.
The confirmation came a day after President Bola Tinubu nominated Musa for the position.
During the screening at the Senate chambers, lawmakers were divided.
While some senators urged a swift approval of the nominee, others demanded a thorough interrogation, citing the country’s escalating insecurity.
In his presentation, General Musa pledged to enhance school security, strengthen inter-agency cooperation, and foster community involvement in the fight against terrorism.
He emphasised the high cost of modern defence equipment, noting, “A medium-range precision missile for a drone costs about ₦150 million.”
The former CDS reassured the Senate of his commitment to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges by leveraging technology and building stronger partnerships between security agencies and local communities.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged senators to maintain focus and professionalism during the screening, highlighting the urgent need for effective leadership amid Nigeria’s worsening security situation.
General Musa’s confirmation is expected to mark a new chapter in Nigeria’s defence strategy, prioritising innovation and community resilience.
