Defence minister charges staff on professionalism, productivity

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.), has called on staff of the Ministry to embrace unity, professionalism, mutual respect and constructive dialogue as essential ingredients for improved productivity and effective service delivery.

General Musa made the call while receiving the 2026 Union Award alongside other members of management and staff during the Ministry’s Union Week Celebration and Award Presentation Day, held on Wednesday, at the Ministry’s headquarters, Abuja.

In his speech , the minister emphasised that industrial harmony goes beyond the absence of disagreement between management and the union, stressing that it requires mutual respect, fairness, constructive engagement and a shared commitment to the objectives of the Ministry .

He noted that the effectiveness of the Ministry of Defence depends on the collective efforts of military personnel, civilian staff, management and organized labour.

He urged staff to always give their best, adding that nobody can succeed alone and that everyone has a role to play in strengthening the Ministry.

Gen. Musa emphasised the importance of professional ethics, integrity, discipline, accountability and commitment to duty, noting that policies, structures and resources can only produce desired results when those entrusted with them demonstrate professionalism and dedication.

He encouraged staff to seek continuous improvement in their places of work, urging them not to simply accept existing practices because “that is how it has always been done.” He stressed the need for personnel to ask questions, identify areas for improvement and ensure that the workplace is left better than they met it.

While commending the civilian workforce for its invaluable contributions to the Ministry’s operations, especially in administration, finance, logistics, technical, medical, legal and other specialized areas, which remain critical to the effective functioning of the defence establishment, General Musa congratulated all award recipients and reminded them that “the reward for hard work is more work.”

He urged them to see the recognition as motivation to contribute even more to the Ministry and the nation.

Furthermore, he also commended the leadership of the Joint Executive Council (JEC) for organizing the event and promoting the ideals of industrial harmony, professionalism and constructive engagement between management and the union.

Earlier in her Opening Remarks, the Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Bosede Olaniyi, said this year’s theme, “Promoting Industrial Harmony and Professional Ethics in the World of Work” calls for collective commitment.

She noted that industrial harmony begins with mutual respect, fairness, understanding, recognizing the dignity of every individual and ensuring that every voice is heard through appropriate channels.