Senate Begins Screening of Defence Minister-Designate Musa Today

The Senate will today commence the screening of Defence Minister–designate, Bello Mohammed Musa, in what is expected to be one of the chamber’s most closely watched confirmation sessions, given the nation’s ongoing security challenges and rising public expectations for results.

Musa, a retired military officer and strategic security analyst, was nominated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to lead Nigeria’s defence establishment amid escalating concerns over insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and maritime insecurity. His appearance before the Senate follows weeks of debate on the administration’s security strategy and growing demands for a more coordinated national defence architecture.

Senate spokespersons confirmed on Wednesday that all preparations for the screening had been concluded, emphasizing that lawmakers would subject the nominee to “rigorous questioning” on military readiness, reforms, intelligence coordination, defence procurement, and plans to strengthen inter-agency cooperation. The chamber is expected to prioritize inquiries into how Musa intends to address persistent security gaps that have strained the Armed Forces and left communities vulnerable.

Legislative insiders say the session could also spotlight issues around defence budgeting, accountability, and the long-delayed modernization of military equipment. Musa is expected to outline his vision for improving troop welfare, enhancing training standards, and rebuilding public confidence in security institutions.

Ahead of the screening, civil society groups urged the Senate to ensure transparency and press for measurable commitments. Analysts argue that whoever occupies the defence portfolio must demonstrate both strategic competence and the political will to implement reforms that previous administrations struggled to execute. “This is not just another appointment; it’s a test of Nigeria’s capacity to adapt to a new era of security threats,” one security expert noted.

READ ALSO: Tinubu Sets Up National Tax Policy Implementation Team

Across the country, affected communities and stakeholders are watching closely, hoping the process will mark a turning point. The Defence Ministry has faced criticism for slow responses to rural attacks and the overstretching of military personnel who remain deployed across multiple fronts. The incoming minister is expected to confront these structural issues immediately if confirmed.

The Senate is expected to conclude Musa’s screening within the day, though a final confirmation vote may follow later. As the nation anticipates the session’s outcome, today’s proceedings could shape the direction of Nigeria’s security policy in the months ahead.