The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria has called on President Bola Tinubu to appoint former defence chief Christopher Musa as defence minister.

Mr Musa served as the chief of defence staff from June 23, 2023, until he was sacked on October 24, 2025, by Mr Tinubu.

NCSCN executive director Blessing Akinlosotu, in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, commended former defence minister Badaru Abubakar for his dedicated service to the nation.

Mr Abubakar had on Monday resigned his appointment in a letter sent to the president.

Mr Akinlosotu said the council acknowledged Mr Abubakar’s contributions to the country’s security efforts and appreciated his honourable exit.

“In light of his resignation, NCSCN calls on Tinubu to appoint Musa, a seasoned and distinguished military officer, as the new defence minister. Musa has a proven track record of leadership, strategic thinking, and expertise in security matters,’’ he said.

He said that during Mr Musa’s tenure as chief of defence staff, he demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, driving significant reforms and improvements in the armed forces.

Mr Akinlosotu listed some of Mr Musa’s notable achievements as “successful implementation of Operation Hadarin Daji, which led to the liberation of several territories from terrorist control”.

“The enhancement of regional cooperation and collaboration on security issues; strengthening of the Nigerian Armed Forces’ capabilities through training and equipment upgrades; promotion of professionalism and discipline within the military,’’ said Mr Akinlosotu.

Mr Akinlosotu said NCSCN believed that Mr Musa’s vast experience, expertise, and leadership abilities made him an ideal candidate to lead the Ministry of Defence.

According to the executive director, Mr Musa’s appointment will not only bolster the government’s efforts to address the country’s security challenges but will also reinforce Mr Tinubu’s commitment to merit-based appointments.

“We, therefore, urge Tinubu to consider Musa’s nomination and submit it to the Senate for confirmation. Together, we can build a safer, more secure and prosperous Nigeria,’’ he said.

Similarly, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Muritala Audu, has endorsed Mr Musa to replace former defence minister Badaru Abubakar.

“Gen Musa, who served as the 18th chief of defence staff from June 19, 2023, to October 30, 2025, was praised for stabilising major conflict zones during his tenure,” Mr Audu said.

Mr Audu said the retired general achieved a breakthrough with Operation Hadin Kai, which led to a drastic reduction in insurgent attacks and the rescue of more than 1,500 hostages.

He also highlighted Mr Musa’s push for technology-driven defence reforms, including drone-based surveillance, cyber-defence upgrades and intelligence modernisation, initiatives which, he said, positioned Nigeria to tackle emerging threats.

He explained that Mr Musa’s emphasis on civil-military cooperation has resulted in 50 schools, 30 healthcare centres, and vocational training for over 5,000 youths in conflict-affected communities, reflecting a holistic approach to national security.

He said Mr Musa’s leadership had earned global recognition, citing awards such as the Colin Powell Meritorious Award for Soldiering and the Nelson Mandela Exemplary Leadership Award.

(NAN)