Defence Minister calls for unity, professionalism as MOD honours outstanding staff

By Chuks Oyema-Aziken

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has urged staff of the Ministry of Defence to embrace unity, professionalism, mutual respect and constructive dialogue as key drivers of productivity and effective service delivery.

Speaking during the 2026 Union Week Celebration and Award Presentation Day at Ship House, Abuja, on Wednesday, the minister said industrial harmony goes beyond the absence of disagreements between management and labour unions, stressing that it requires fairness, mutual respect, constructive engagement and a shared commitment to the ministry’s objectives.

General Musa, who received the 2026 Union Award alongside members of the ministry’s management and staff, noted that the effectiveness of the Ministry of Defence depends on the collective contributions of military personnel, civilian staff, management and organised labour, according to a statement signed by the Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Enderline Chukwu.

The minister emphasised the importance of professional ethics, integrity, discipline, accountability and commitment to duty, noting that policies, structures and resources can only achieve desired results when managed by dedicated and professional personnel. He encouraged workers to continuously seek improvements in their areas of responsibility rather than accepting outdated practices.

Commending the civilian workforce for its critical roles in administration, finance, logistics, technical, medical and legal services, Musa described their contributions as indispensable to the effective functioning of the nation’s defence establishment. He congratulated award recipients and reminded them that recognition should serve as motivation for greater service.

“The reward for hard work is more work,” the minister said, urging recipients to continue contributing meaningfully to the ministry and national development.

He also praised the leadership of the Joint Executive Council (JEC) for promoting industrial harmony and strengthening cooperation between management and organised labour within the ministry.

Earlier, the Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Bosede Olaniyi, said the theme of this year’s celebration, “Promoting Industrial Harmony and Professional Ethics in the World of Work,” underscored the need for collective commitment, mutual respect, fairness and the recognition of every worker’s dignity.

In his vote of thanks, President of the Joint Executive Council, Comrade Dahiru Goronyo, expressed appreciation to the ministry’s management for fostering a spirit of cooperation and comradeship, while calling for sustained efforts to improve service delivery across the workplace.

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