On October 1, 2026, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, addressed staff at the Ministry's headquarters in Abuja, emphasizing the importance of unity, professionalism, and constructive dialogue in achieving improved productivity and effective service delivery. He made these remarks during the Ministry's Union Week Celebration and Award Presentation Day, where he received the 2026 Union Award alongside other management and staff members.
General Musa highlighted that industrial harmony extends beyond the absence of disagreements between management and the union, requiring mutual respect, fairness, and a shared commitment to the Ministry's objectives. He stressed that the Ministry's effectiveness relies on the collective efforts of military personnel, civilian staff, management, and organized labour, urging staff to give their best and work together towards a common goal.
The Minister emphasized the significance of professional ethics, integrity, discipline, accountability, and commitment to duty, noting that these values are essential for achieving desired results. He encouraged staff to seek continuous improvement in their workplaces, challenging them not to accept existing practices simply because "that is how it has always been done." Instead, he urged them to ask questions, identify areas for improvement, and strive to leave their workplaces better than they found them.
General Musa commended the civilian workforce for their invaluable contributions to the Ministry's operations, particularly in administration, finance, logistics, and technical areas. He congratulated award recipients, reminding them that their recognition is a motivation to contribute even more to the Ministry and the nation. He also praised the leadership of the Joint Executive Council (JEC) for promoting industrial harmony and professionalism.
Earlier, the Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Bosede Olaniyi, noted that this year's theme, "Promoting Industrial Harmony and Professional Ethics in the World of Work," calls for collective commitment. She emphasized that industrial harmony begins with mutual respect, fairness, understanding, and recognizing the dignity of every individual, ensuring that every voice is heard through appropriate channels.
The event, which took place on Wednesday at the Ministry's headquarters, brought together management and staff to celebrate the Ministry's Union Week and recognize outstanding contributions. General Musa's address served as a reminder of the importance of working together towards a common goal, with a focus on professionalism, productivity, and industrial harmony.
Key to achieving the Ministry's objectives, General Musa said, is the collective effort of all staff, stressing that nobody can succeed alone and that everyone has a role to play in strengthening the Ministry.
Key points
- The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, emphasized the importance of professionalism, unity, and mutual respect in achieving improved productivity and effective service delivery.
- Industrial harmony, according to General Musa, requires mutual respect, fairness, constructive engagement, and a shared commitment to the Ministry's objectives.
- The Minister encouraged staff to seek continuous improvement in their workplaces, challenging them to leave their workplaces better than they found them.
