Defence Minister Urges Staff to Embrace Unity, Professionalism for Greater Productivity
Oru Leonard
The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, has called on staff of the Ministry of Defence to embrace unity, professionalism, mutual respect and constructive dialogue to enhance productivity and service delivery.
Musa made the call on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at the Ministry of Defence headquarters, Ship House, Abuja, during the Ministry’s Union Week Celebration and Award Presentation Day, where he received the 2026 Union Award alongside other members of management and staff.
The Minister said industrial harmony goes beyond the absence of disagreement between management and organised labour, stressing that it requires mutual respect, fairness, constructive engagement and a shared commitment to the objectives of the Ministry.
According to him, the effectiveness of the Ministry of Defence depends on the collective efforts of military personnel, civilian employees, management and organised labour.
He urged staff to give their best to their duties, noting that “nobody can succeed alone” and that every employee has a role to play in strengthening the Ministry.
Musa also emphasised the importance of professional ethics, integrity, discipline, accountability and commitment to duty, saying policies, structures and resources could only deliver the desired results when entrusted to professionals who demonstrate dedication and responsibility.
He encouraged employees to pursue continuous improvement and challenge outdated practices, urging them not to accept existing procedures simply because “that is how it has always been done.”
The Minister called on staff to ask questions, identify areas requiring improvement and ensure that their various workplaces were left better than they found them.
While commending the civilian workforce for its contributions to the operations of the Ministry, particularly in administration, finance, logistics, technical, medical, legal and other specialised areas, Musa described their roles as critical to the effective functioning of the defence establishment.
He congratulated the award recipients, reminding them that “the reward for hard work is more work,” and urged them to regard the recognition as an incentive to contribute more to the Ministry and the nation.
He also commended the leadership of the Joint Executive Council (JEC) for organising the celebration and promoting industrial harmony, professionalism and constructive engagement between management and the union.
Earlier, the Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Bosede Olaniyi, said the theme of the celebration, “Promoting Industrial Harmony and Professional Ethics in the World of Work,” required collective commitment from both management and staff.
Olaniyi said industrial harmony begins with mutual respect, fairness and understanding, as well as recognition of the dignity of every individual and the provision of appropriate channels through which employees can express their views.
In his vote of thanks, the President of the Joint Executive Council, Comrade Dahiru Goronyo, appreciated the Ministry’s management for its spirit of comradeship and cooperation.
Goronyo also emphasised the need for continuous improvement in service delivery and workplace relations.
