Defence Minister Musa assumes office, pledges to prioritise security of Nigerians

*General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), Nigeria’s new Minister for Defence, officially assumes duty, highlights three pillars of his leadership ideology, vowing zero tolerance for corruption, indiscipline, and indolence within the Ministry and its associated agencies

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), Nigeria’s newly-appointed Honourable Minister for Defence, Friday, December 5, 2025, pledged to prioritise national security, and end the shedding of innocent blood across West African country.

Musa, who officially assumed duty Friday, vowed zero tolerance for corruption, indiscipline, and indolence within the ministry and its agencies.

Gen. Musa (Rtd.) middle; Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff (3rd left); Mr. Richard Pheelangwa, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence (3rd right), and Other Service Chiefs, in Abuja

ConsumerConnect reports the Defence Minister, in his maiden address to the personnel of the Ministry, also said the sector must serve as the strategic nerve centre of the defence architecture in Nigeria.

Highlighting the role of technology and intelligence in shaping Nigeria’s defence posture, he emphasised that his core leadership philosophy for steering the Ministry of Defence rests on three pillars.

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The Minister listed them as operational effectiveness, unified action, and strategic foresight.

“We cannot operate in silos. We cannot allow gaps between policy and execution.

“This ministry must be a powerhouse of strategic direction, enabling support and ensuring accountability,” stated he.

On kinetic and non-kinetic solutions to insecurity

The Minister asserted: “The shedding of innocent blood must end. Our children deserve to return to school.

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Defence Minister Musa Assumes Office, Pledges To Prioritise Security Of Nigerians

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“Farmers must return to their farms. Many of these issues require both kinetic and non-kinetic solutions—justice, equity, fairness, and good governance.

“We will pursue a comprehensive, balanced approach.”

Musa said: “Technology and intelligence will drive our defence posture.

“The ministry must serve as the strategic brain of our defence architecture. “We will leverage technology for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, and strengthen partnerships with our allies and other security agencies.”

According to him, data—not conjecture—must guide the Ministry’s decisions.

Musa averred: “I expect the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and urgency.

“We do not have time to waste. We must respect human rights, avoid mistakes where possible, and when they occur, correct them decisively.”

‘Our loyalty is to Nigeria and Nigerians’

Shedding more light on his leadership style, Minister Musa said: “I will always welcome candid advice and robust debate, but once a decision is made, we must move as one team.

“There will be zero tolerance for corruption, indiscipline, or indolence.”

He stated: “Our loyalty is to Nigeria and the Nigerian people.

“The President is the Commander-in-Chief, and the responsibility ends on his table. We owe him and the nation results.”

Musa noted: “To the Service Chiefs, I assure you of my full support and expect your unwavering cooperation.

“To the Permanent Secretary and our civil service cadre, you are the institutional memory of this ministry.

“Your diligence is essential to translating Military objectives into actionable policies.”

The Minister warned: “The road ahead will be tough. Let us not underestimate that. But we are Nigerians—resilient, determined, and capable.

“The threats we face may be adaptive and complex, but our spirit is stronger. With the support and prayers of Nigerians, we will not fail.”

In regard to reward and discipline, the Minister said: “Those who excel will be rewarded, and where corrective measures are required, they will be taken.

“We must consistently assess what we do, and find ways to improve.”

He further stated: “I expect every member of this ministry to put in their best without waiting to be reminded of their responsibilities.

“If each of us does our part, the nation’s burden becomes lighter.”

Stressing the need for all Nigerians to take ownership of national challenges, Gen. Musa declared: “No one else will solve our problems for us. When we decide—together—that we are capable of addressing these issues, then we will succeed.

“God has already given us the capacity; the responsibility now rests on us to act.”

CDS Oluyede: Government should continue to demonstrate political will to support the Military

Speaking at the Defence Minister’s inaugural address, General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), advocated a more robust and coordinated approach to tackling complex security challenges in Nigeria

Gen. Oluyede stated: “In the meeting we had earlier, I made it clear that we must be sincere and collective in our approach. “To achieve meaningful results, we must get the full buy-in of the Minister to drive the process, and the government must continue to demonstrate the political will required to support our efforts.”

The CDS also said: “I want to assure the Minister that collectively, we will support this cause and strengthen the confidence of Nigerians in our Armed Forces.

“I am convinced that, going forward, Nigeria will be better.”

Earlier in his welcome address, Mr. Richard Pheelangwa, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), had said Gen. Musa’s assumption of duty as the Minister for Defence marked a significant moment for the Ministry and the entire Defence sector in the country.

Pheelangwa emphasised that service to the country requires professionalism, integrity, discipline, and accountability.

The Permanent Secretary also asserted: “We stand ready to work diligently under your guidance to uphold these values.

“Your appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a clear testament to the nation’s confidence in your experience, character, and capability to strengthen and reposition our security architecture.”

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