General Christopher Musa (rtd.), Nigeria’s newly confirmed Minister of Defence and former Chief of Defence Staff, revealed before the Senate the high financial cost of modern military operations.

• Musa stated that a single medium-range precision missile for drones costs $100,000 (~N150 million).
• He emphasized that once fired, whether it hits the target or not, the full N150 million is expended, underscoring the importance of careful budgeting and strategic deployment of military resources.

The remarks came during Musa’s ministerial screening, where he highlighted that modern combat relies heavily on sophisticated, costly equipment, and that Nigeria must adapt to these realities as it faces terrorism, banditry, and other security threats.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio noted the seriousness of the security challenges, reminding lawmakers that this was not a time for routine courtesy, in response to a senator’s lighthearted suggestion that Musa “simply take a bow and go.”

After a five-hour screening, Musa was confirmed as Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, succeeding Mohammed Badaru, who resigned citing ill health.

Background on Musa

• Commissioned as Second Lieutenant in 1991, Musa rose through various command and staff roles.
• Appointed Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai in 2021 and later headed the Army Infantry Corps.
• Became Chief of Defence Staff in 2023 before his ministerial nomination.

Musa’s disclosure highlights both the financial realities of modern warfare and the need for robust defence planning amid Nigeria’s escalating security challenges.