Nigeria's Defence Minister, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has called on staff of the Ministry of Defence to foster unity, professionalism, and constructive dialogue to enhance productivity and service delivery. He made the remarks during the 2026 Union Week Celebration and Award Presentation Day at Ship House in Abuja. The minister emphasised that industrial harmony requires more than just the absence of disagreements between management and labour unions.
General Musa highlighted that industrial harmony demands fairness, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to the ministry's objectives. He noted that the effectiveness of the Ministry of Defence relies on the collective contributions of military personnel, civilian staff, management, and organised labour. The minister received the 2026 Union Award alongside members of the ministry's management and staff.
The Defence Minister stressed the importance of professional ethics, integrity, discipline, accountability, and commitment to duty. He stated that policies, structures, and resources can only achieve desired results when managed by dedicated and professional personnel. General Musa encouraged workers to continuously seek improvements in their areas of responsibility rather than accepting outdated practices.
General Musa commended the civilian workforce for their critical roles in administration, finance, logistics, technical, medical, and legal services. He described their contributions as indispensable to the effective functioning of the nation's defence establishment. The minister congratulated award recipients and reminded them that recognition should serve as motivation for greater service.
The minister praised the leadership of the Joint Executive Council for promoting industrial harmony and strengthening cooperation between management and organised labour within the ministry. He urged award recipients to continue contributing meaningfully to the ministry and national development. General Musa stated that the reward for hard work is more work.
Earlier, the Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Bosede Olaniyi, highlighted the significance of this year's celebration theme, "Promoting Industrial Harmony and Professional Ethics in the World of Work." She underscored the need for collective commitment, mutual respect, fairness, and the recognition of every worker's dignity.
The President of the Joint Executive Council, Comrade Dahiru Goronyo, expressed appreciation to the ministry's management for fostering a spirit of cooperation and comradeship. He called for sustained efforts to improve service delivery across the workplace. The event was reported by the Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Enderline Chukwu.
Key points
- The Defence Minister emphasised the importance of professional ethics and integrity in the Ministry of Defence.
- The minister praised the leadership of the Joint Executive Council for promoting industrial harmony.
- The event celebrated the contributions of civilian staff to the nation's defence establishment.
