Defence Minister Calls for Stronger Security Awareness Among Ministry Staff
ABUJA — October 2, 2026
The Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, has called on personnel of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to heighten their security awareness and remain vigilant in identifying and reporting potential threats within and around the ministry.
Musa made the call during a Town Hall meeting with staff of the ministry at its headquarters, Ship House, Abuja, according to a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde.
The Minister stressed that civilian personnel have an important role to play in Nigeria’s national security framework, urging them to be conscious of their surroundings, exercise caution in their movements and promptly report activities they consider suspicious. He encouraged staff to embrace the principle of “See something, say something” as part of efforts to build a stronger culture of security consciousness across the ministry.
According to him, the maiden Town Hall meeting was designed to improve communication between the ministry’s management and its workforce, while providing an avenue to identify operational challenges, close institutional gaps and address issues affecting staff welfare and productivity.
Musa also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the welfare and working environment of civil servants, describing the public service as a critical component of effective governance. He called for greater collaboration between civilian employees and members of the Armed Forces, stressing the importance of unity, teamwork and mutual respect in advancing the ministry’s mandate.
The Minister further disclosed plans to establish structured engagement programmes that would strengthen interaction and cooperation between the ministry’s civilian workforce and military personnel. The Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Bosede Olaniyi, welcomed the initiative, noting that sustained dialogue would promote openness, discipline and collective responsibility.
Representing the workforce, the President of the Joint Executive Council of the Ministry of Defence Union, Mr Dahiru Goronyo, raised a number of staff concerns, including delays in third-party deductions and remittances, transportation difficulties, access to training, promotion-related issues and outstanding entitlements.
The meeting brought together directors, heads of departments and units, personnel across various cadres and representatives of the media.
A more security-conscious and responsive public service has implications for the wider business environment, particularly for organisations and businesses that engage with government institutions. Stronger internal communication, staff welfare and institutional coordination can support more efficient public-sector operations and improve engagement between government agencies and stakeholders.
Edited by Rosemary Aiyenale. Source:NAN
