…Promises troops’ welfare, unified military strategy, and technology-driven operations
Nigeria’s newly sworn-in Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), issued a powerful charge to the Armed Forces and the nation on Thursday, pledging swift reforms, joint military strategy, and zero tolerance for corruption, while reassuring Nigerians that the Federal Government is poised to deliver measurable security results in record time.
Addressing top military hierarchy and ministry officials on assumption of office in Abuja, the former Chief of Defence Staff spoke with deep emotion, humility and renewed sense of mission, describing his appointment as “a privilege ordained by God” after nearly four decades in uniform.
> “Six weeks ago, I was in kaki. Today, I stand before you as Minister of Defence. It can only be God,” he said.
FULL ADDRESS BY GENERAL CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA (RTD)
Minister of Defence, Federal Republic of Nigeria
Delivered on Assumption of Office — December 5, 2025
It is with profound humility and a deep sense of responsibility that I address you today in my new capacity as the Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Six weeks ago, I was in kaki. Now, I stand before you as Minister. It can only be God. I thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the trust and confidence he has shown in me.
I take that responsibility very seriously. After 39 years in service, to return and serve as Minister of Defence is both a great honour and a sacred duty. The love Nigerians have shown reflects their belief that we can turn the tide. But security is not achieved through rhetoric — it is achieved through decisive action.
We, as Nigerians, must take ownership of the challenges we face. Only us can solve our problem. When we agree within ourselves that we will win, then we will succeed. God is with us, and He has entrusted us with the responsibility to prevail.
I accept this mandate with reverence and unwavering commitment to the safety and security of our great nation. I must acknowledge the dedicated leadership of my predecessor and the tireless efforts of every single officer and staff represented here today.
When I was Chief of Defence Staff, you gave me your full support, and I truly appreciate it. As Minister, we will do more — especially in welfare, well-being, and the administration of the Ministry. I believe strongly in reward and accountability: if you do well, you are rewarded; if you falter, corrective action follows. I do not believe in “na so we dey do am.”
We must assess our systems honestly and improve them. I believe in a positive workforce culture. We will listen to your challenges, and whatever we can resolve, we will. But I also count on you: you know your duty, you know your task — do it without waiting to be reminded.
The defence of Nigeria is continuous. Many of you have held the line with dedication. I commend you. My life for decades has been defined by uniform, sacrifice, and the sacred oath to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity. I do not come to this office as a stranger to our challenges. I have been in the trenches — literally and figuratively.
I have seen the bravery of our troops, the complexity of our threats, and the power of strategic coordination. No single individual or service can solve this. We must work as Nigerians to secure Nigeria.
Strategic Direction for the Ministry
My philosophy is simple:
Operational effectiveness through unified action and strategic foresight.
We cannot work in silos. We cannot afford policy-execution gaps. This Ministry must be a powerhouse of strategic direction, enabling support, and relentless accountability.
Our troops are sacrificing their lives day and night so that Nigerians can sleep in peace. We must pray for them and provide every necessary support — rain or thunderstorm, harmattan or windstorm.
President Bola Tinubu has been clear: he will give us the support we require — but results must follow.
Within the first few weeks, we must demonstrate commitment:
the Ministry working inside, the troops working outside.
Three Pillars of My Immediate Action Plan
1. Joint Operational Strategy & Synergy
We begin an immediate and rigorous review of all theatre commands and inter-service operations. My office remains open to the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs for frank conversations on equipment, training, welfare, and strategy.
Our goal is simple: overwhelm the adversaries with unified force.
2. Welfare and Morale as a Force Multiplier
Morale is everything. We must prioritise timely supply of kits, prompt payment of operational allowances, and full support for accommodation and medical care.
Those who are not injured are watching how we treat the injured. If they are not well taken care of, they will be afraid to give their best. For families of fallen heroes, it is our duty to stand with them, not abandon them.
Payments must be seamless.
Respect must be non-negotiable.
Anyone laying down their life for Nigeria deserves the highest honour. I will be strict on this.
3. Intelligence-Driven and Technology-Enabled Defence
This Ministry is the strategic brain of our defence architecture. We must leverage technology for intelligence, surveillance, and precision operations. We will engage partners and allies and collaborate with all security agencies.
Data and intelligence must drive decisions — not just instinct and experience. This Ministry will be a catalyst for innovation and prudent resource management.
Standards, Discipline and National Values
I expect the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and urgency. We must respect the human rights of Nigerians. If we make mistakes, we must correct them.
There will be zero tolerance for corruption, indiscipline, and indolence. Our loyalty is to Nigeria, and the Nigerian people. The President is the Commander-in-Chief; the burden of success rests with us.
The era of innocent bloodshed is over.
Our children must return to school.
Our farmers must return to their farms.
Many of our challenges require more than military force — they require governance, justice, equity, and fairness. Kinetic and non-kinetic approaches must work together.
We cannot fail Nigerians.
To the Service Chiefs
You have my full support, and I expect your highest cooperation to take the Armed Forces to greater heights.
To the Civil Service Cadre
You are the institutional memory. I value your expertise and count on your diligence to translate military needs into policies and budgets that deliver results.
Conclusion
The road ahead will be tough. But because we are Nigerians, we shall overcome. The threats we face are complex, but I have faith in the indomitable spirit of our Armed Forces and the capable minds within this Ministry.
With the support and prayers of Nigerians, we cannot fail.
I reaffirm my pledge to lead with fairness, firmness, and loyalty to the Constitution. The President is doing everything possible to support our mission. We must play our part. The task is enormous but surmountable.
We can win. We will win. Nigerians expect results — and we will deliver immediately.
I am not here to preside. I am here to lead, to walk, and to deliver alongside you. I cannot do it alone.
God bless you all.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
— General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd)
Minister of Defence, Federal Republic of Nigeria
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