President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially inaugurated General Christopher Musa as the country’s Minister of Defence during a swearing-in ceremony held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The event drew several prominent dignitaries, including retired Justice Kumai Bayang Akaahs, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede, Mrs. Lillian Oghogho Musa, Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah.

Shortly after taking his oath, General Musa outlined his immediate focus, emphasizing the need for stronger synergy among the armed forces and all security agencies. He noted that safeguarding the nation requires collective commitment, adding that President Tinubu has tasked him with restoring public confidence so Nigerians can “sleep with their eyes closed,” access their farms freely, and send their children to school without fear.

His swearing-in comes on the heels of a rigorous Senate screening on Tuesday, where he firmly opposed negotiating with armed groups and criticised the rehabilitation of former Boko Haram fighters. He instead advocated stricter punitive measures and expanded financial support for the military to effectively confront insecurity.

General Musa replaces Mohammed Badaru, who resigned due to health concerns, returning the Federal Executive Council to its full complement of 48 ministers.

Reacting after the ceremony, Bishop Kukah praised the president’s choice, describing the appointment as both strategic and reassuring. He expressed optimism that the Defence Ministry is “in capable hands” and stressed that restoring national peace and stability “by every lawful means” must remain a shared national duty.