The Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, has called on staff of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to remain alert and security-conscious as part of efforts to prevent potential threats and safety risks.
Musa made the call during a town hall meeting with personnel of the ministry at its headquarters, Ship House, Abuja. The engagement was disclosed in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde.
The minister stressed that civilian employees of the Ministry of Defence have an important role to play in Nigeria’s national security framework.
He urged workers to promptly report suspicious activities and remain conscious of their surroundings and movements. He encouraged them to adopt the principle of “See something, say something” as part of their daily security practices.
According to Musa, the town hall meeting was organised to create a direct channel of communication between the ministry’s leadership and its workforce. He said the initiative would also provide an opportunity to identify operational shortcomings and address issues affecting employees.
The Defence Minister commended the staff for their commitment and contributions to the ministry, while reaffirming President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to improving the welfare and working conditions of civil servants.
Describing civil servants as the engine room of government, Musa called for stronger cooperation between civilian employees and members of the Armed Forces.
He emphasised the importance of teamwork, unity and mutual respect in ensuring effective collaboration between the military and civilian workforce within the ministry.
Musa also disclosed plans to introduce more structured engagement programmes aimed at strengthening cooperation and improving working relationships between the ministry’s civilian and military personnel.
Speaking at the meeting, the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Bosede Olaniyi, commended the minister for initiating the engagement.
Olaniyi said the meeting would promote openness, discipline and shared responsibility among personnel as the ministry carries out its mandate of protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Meanwhile, the President of the Joint Executive Council of the Ministry of Defence Union, Mr Dahiru Goronyo, presented some of the major concerns affecting workers.
Among the issues raised were delays in remitting third-party deductions, transportation difficulties, access to training, promotion-related matters and outstanding entitlements.
The town hall meeting was attended by directors, heads of departments and units, personnel from various cadres and members of the media.
