——- Says His nomination marks a significant step in the ongoing reshuffling of Nigeria’s defence architecture.

The Senate on Wednesday commenced the screening of former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, following his nomination by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the new Minister of Defence.

The screening exercise, which is currently underway at the National Assembly, comes after Tinubu transmitted a formal request to the Senate urging lawmakers to confirm the retired general.

The letter was read during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Ahead of the exercise, the Senate suspended its relevant rules to admit General Musa into the chamber for an interactive session.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele had earlier confirmed that the President’s letter was scheduled for presentation on Wednesday.

If confirmed, General Musa will replace former Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who resigned recently on health grounds.

General Musa brings decades of military leadership to the appointment. He previously served as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai in 2021, later becoming Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps. In 2023, President Tinubu appointed him Chief of Defence Staff, a position he held until October 2025.

The Senate is expected to conclude the screening and make a confirmation decision in the coming days.