The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Retd.), has urged civilian personnel of the Ministry of Defence to remain vigilant and security conscious, stressing that their actions and awareness are an important part of Nigeria’s national security architecture.
Musa gave the charge on Monday during a town hall meeting with staff at the Ministry’s headquarters, Ship House, Abuja.
The Minister urged personnel to promptly report suspicious activities and remain alert to potential security risks, adopting the mantra: “See something, say something.”
He also called for greater awareness of personal movements and surroundings, saying civilian employees have a vital role to play in supporting the country’s security efforts.
The town hall, the Minister’s first direct engagement of its kind with ministry staff, was designed to strengthen communication between management and employees, identify operational gaps and address issues affecting the workforce.
Musa reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to improving the welfare and working conditions of civil servants, describing them as the engine room of government.
He also stressed the need for stronger civil-military cooperation, urging civilian employees and members of the Armed Forces to work with unity, mutual respect and a shared sense of responsibility.
The Minister announced plans for structured engagement programmes aimed at improving collaboration between the ministry’s civilian and military personnel.
The Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Bosede Olaniyi, commended the initiative, saying it would promote open communication, discipline and collective responsibility in delivering the ministry’s mandate.
Meanwhile, staff representatives used the meeting to raise concerns over delays in third-party remittances, transportation challenges, training opportunities, promotion issues and outstanding entitlements.
The President of the Ministry of Defence Joint Executive Council, Mr Dahiru Goronyo, presented the concerns, while the Minister and his management team assured the workers that steps would be taken to address the issues.
The Director of Human Resources, Mr Idris Gaya, expressed appreciation for the Minister’s engagement with staff and pledged the workforce’s continued support for the administration’s objectives.
The meeting was attended by directors, heads of departments and units, staff across various cadres and media representatives.