The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has called on staff of the Ministry to promote unity, professionalism, mutual respect and constructive dialogue to enhance productivity and effective service delivery.
Musa made the call on Wednesday during the Ministry’s Union Week Celebration and Award Presentation Day held at the Ministry of Defence headquarters, Ship House, Abuja, where he received the 2026 Union Award alongside other members of management and staff.
The minister said industrial harmony goes beyond the absence of disagreements between management and the unions, 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 organised labour.
Musa urged staff to give their best at all times, stressing that no individual could succeed alone and that everyone had a role to play in strengthening the Ministry.
He also emphasised the importance of professional ethics, integrity, discipline, accountability and commitment to duty, noting that policies, structures and resources could only produce the desired results when those entrusted with them demonstrated professionalism and dedication.
The minister encouraged staff to seek continuous improvement in their workplaces rather than simply accepting existing practices because “that is how it has always been done.”
He urged them to ask questions, identify areas for improvement and ensure that they leave the workplace better than they met it.
Musa commended the civilian workforce for its contributions to the Ministry’s operations, particularly in administration, finance, logistics, technical, medical, legal and other specialised areas.
While congratulating the award recipients, he reminded them that “the reward for hard work is more work,” urging them to regard the recognition as motivation to contribute more to the Ministry and the nation.
He also commended the leadership of the Joint Executive Council (JEC) for organising the event and promoting industrial harmony, professionalism and constructive engagement between management and the union.
Earlier, the Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Bosede Olaniyi, said the theme of the celebration, “Promoting Industrial Harmony and Professional Ethics in the World of Work,” required collective commitment.
Olaniyi said industrial harmony begins with mutual respect, fairness and understanding, as well as recognition of the dignity of every individual and ensuring that every voice is heard through appropriate channels.
In his vote of thanks, the President of the JEC, Comrade Dahiru Goronyo, appreciated the Ministry’s management for its spirit of comradeship and cooperation.
He also stressed the need for continuous improvement in service delivery across the workplace.
