Defence Minister Charges Civilian Staff to Remain Vigilant, Security-Conscious

Defence Minister Charges Civilian Staff to Remain Vigilant, Security-Conscious

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, has charged personnel of the Ministry of Defence to remain vigilant, security-conscious and proactive in identifying and mitigating potential safety and security risks.

General Musa gave the charge on Monday during a Town Hall meeting with staff of the Ministry at its headquarters, Ship House, Abuja.

The Minister stressed that civilian personnel have an important role to play in Nigeria’s national security architecture, urging them to promptly report suspicious activities and maintain awareness of their surroundings and personal movements.

He encouraged staff to adopt the mantra, “See something, say something,” as part of efforts to strengthen security consciousness within the Ministry and the wider society.

The maiden Town Hall meeting was organised to establish direct communication between the Minister and personnel, identify operational gaps and address pressing concerns affecting the workforce.

Expressing appreciation for the dedication of the staff, General Musa reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to improving the welfare and working conditions of civil servants, whom he described as the engine room of government.

The Minister also underscored the importance of stronger civil-military cooperation, calling for unity, teamwork and mutual respect between civilian employees and members of the Armed Forces.

He announced plans for structured engagement programmes aimed at fostering stronger and more effective working relationships between the Ministry’s civilian and military personnel.

In her remarks, the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Bosede Olaniyi, commended the Minister for initiating the engagement, saying it would strengthen open communication, discipline and collective responsibility in fulfilling the Ministry’s mandate of safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty.

Presenting the concerns of staff, the President of the Joint Executive Council of the Ministry of Defence Union, Mr. Dahiru Goronyo, highlighted challenges including delays in third-party remittance deductions, transportation difficulties, training opportunities, promotion issues and outstanding entitlement arrears.

The Minister and his management team responded to the concerns and assured the workers that necessary steps would be taken towards resolving the issues.

In his closing remarks, the Director of Human Resources, Mr. Idris Gaya, mni, appreciated the Minister for his accessible leadership and clear strategic direction, pledging the continued loyalty and dedication of the workforce to the administration’s objectives.

The Town Hall meeting was attended by Directors, Heads of Departments and Units, staff across various cadres and representatives of the media.

Defence Minister Charges Civilian Staff to Remain Vigilant, Security-Conscious