Christopher Musa
General Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR is a retired Nigerian Army General who served as the 18th Chief of Defence Staff from June 2023 to October 2025. He was nominated Minister of Defence by President Bola Tinubu in December 2025, replacing Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar who resigned for health reasons. He holds a BSc from Nigerian Defence Academy (1991) and won the Colin Powell Meritorious Award for Soldiering in 2022.
About Nigerian Federal Ministers
Nigerian federal ministers are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate under Section 147 of the 1999 Constitution. Each minister heads a federal ministry and is responsible for implementing government policy within that sector. Ministers serve at the pleasure of the President and together form the Federal Executive Council, which deliberates on major government decisions. By constitutional requirement, the President must appoint at least one minister from each of Nigeria's 36 states, ensuring the principle of federal character is reflected in the cabinet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the current Minister of Defence?
Christopher Musa is the current Honourable Minister of Defence in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The minister heads the Federal Ministry of Defence and is responsible for implementing government policy in that sector.
When was Christopher Musa born?
Christopher Musa was born on 25 December 1967, which makes he 58 years old.
What state is Minister Christopher Musa from?
Minister Christopher Musa is from Kaduna State in Nigeria's North-West geopolitical zone. Under Section 147 of the 1999 Constitution, the President must appoint at least one minister from each of Nigeria's 36 states.
What does a Nigerian federal minister do?
A federal minister is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate to head a specific federal ministry. The minister sets policy, manages the ministry's budget and staff, represents Nigeria in sector-related international engagements and is part of the Federal Executive Council, which advises the President on national matters.
Government of Kaduna State
- Governor
- Uba Sani
- House of Reps
- 18 members — listed on the Kaduna State page