Defence Minister Charges Civilian Staff on Security Consciousness, Promises Stronger Civil-Military Synergy
Oru Leonard
ABUJA — The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, has urged civilian personnel of the Ministry of Defence to remain vigilant, security-conscious and proactive in identifying and reporting potential security threats.
Musa gave the charge on Monday at the maiden Town Hall meeting with staff of the Ministry at its headquarters, Ship House, Abuja.
The Minister stressed that civilian employees constitute an important component of Nigeria’s national security architecture and therefore have a responsibility to contribute to the protection of national assets and personnel.
He urged the workers to maintain situational awareness and promptly report suspicious activities, encapsulating the message in the mantra: “See something, say something.”
According to him, the Town Hall meeting was designed to strengthen direct communication between the ministry’s leadership and its workforce, identify operational gaps and provide an avenue for addressing issues affecting staff.
Musa commended the personnel for their dedication to duty and reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to improving the welfare and working conditions of Nigerian civil servants, whom he described as the “engine room of government.”
He also called for stronger civil-military cooperation within the Ministry, stressing the importance of unity, teamwork and mutual respect between civilian employees and members of the Armed Forces.
The Minister disclosed that the Ministry would introduce structured engagement programmes aimed at fostering closer and more productive working relationships between its civilian and military cadres.
In her remarks, the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Bosede Olaniyi, commended the Minister for initiating the engagement.
She said the forum would promote open communication, discipline and collective responsibility in advancing the Ministry’s mandate of safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Presenting the concerns of workers, the President of the Joint Executive Council of the Ministry of Defence Union, Mr. Dahiru Goronyo, identified several issues requiring management attention.
They included delays in third-party remittance deductions, transportation challenges, access to training opportunities, promotion-related matters and outstanding entitlement arrears.
The Minister and members of his management team responded to the issues raised and assured the workers that steps would be taken towards their prompt resolution.
The Director of Human Resources, Mr. Idris Gaya, mni, expressed appreciation to the Minister for what he described as his accessible leadership and clear strategic direction.
He pledged the commitment of the workforce to renewed loyalty, professionalism and dedication to the administration’s objectives.
The Town Hall meeting was attended by Directors, Heads of Departments and Units, personnel across various cadres of the Ministry and members of the media.
(MOD PRESS)
