Defence Minister Pledges Enhanced Civilian–Military Synergy

Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, has charged personnel of the Ministry of Defence to remain vigilant, security-conscious and proactive in mitigating safety risks.

Speaking on Monday during a Town Hall meeting with staff at the ministry’s headquarters, Gen. Musa emphasised that civilian personnel play a vital role in the national security architecture.

He urged the staff to report suspicious activities promptly by adopting the mantra “See something, say something,” while maintaining situational awareness of their movements.

A statement by Leah Katung-Babatunde, special assistant (Media) to the Minister, said the maiden engagement was established to build direct communication between leadership and staff, identify operational gaps and address pressing workforce concerns.

Gen. Musa reiterated 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 stressed the need to strengthen civil-military cooperation, calling for unity, teamwork and mutual respect between civilian employees and the Armed Forces.

He announced plans for structured engagement programmes to foster symbiotic working relationships across the ministry’s civilian and military cadres.

In her remarks, the director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Bosede Olaniyi, commended the minister for convening the session. She noted that the initiative reinforced open communication, discipline, and collective responsibility in executing the ministry’s mandate to safeguard national sovereignty.

Presenting staff concerns, Mr Dahiru Goronyo, President of the Joint Executive Council of the Ministry of Defence Union, highlighted key issues affecting personnel welfare. These included delays in third-party remittance deductions, transportation challenges, training opportunities, promotion matters, and entitlement arrears. The Minister and his management team addressed the issues raised, reassuring staff of prompt resolution.

Concluding the event, the Director of Human Resources, Mr Idris Gaya, expressed appreciation to the Minister for his accessible leadership and clear strategic direction, pledging the workforce’s renewed loyalty and dedication to the administration’s goals. The Town Hall was attended by Directors, Heads of Departments and Units, staff across all cadres, and representatives of the media.