By Nkechi Eze
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, has formally retired from the Federal Civil Service after an illustrious twenty-two-year career marked by dedication, innovation and remarkable contributions to nation-building. Ambassador Aduda, who made history as the youngest Nigerian to be appointed a Federal Permanent Secretary, completed his statutory eight-year tenure in the position at the age of 53, seven years before the compulsory retirement age of 60.
In an official statement issued by the Principal Superintendent of Press, Patience Ituke, the Ministry described Ambassador Aduda’s career as a sterling example of visionary public service. Having served in several key ministries during his rise through the civil service, his tenure at the Ministry of Defence was particularly notable for its far-reaching reforms and institutional innovations aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s national security and defence capabilities.
As Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Aduda revitalised indigenous defence production by initiating the establishment of a Defence Industry Regulatory Department designed to promote self-sufficiency in the sector. He also spearheaded efforts to centralise procurement processes within the Armed Forces in order to improve accountability and cost effectiveness and led the revival of the long-abandoned Veterans’ Hospital project with support from Afreximbank and the Mayo Clinic. A passionate advocate of humanitarian demining, he also pushed for the establishment of a National Mine Action Centre as a dedicated parastatal under the Ministry of Defence.
Ambassador Aduda earned widespread admiration among the Ministry’s workforce for his compassionate, people-oriented leadership approach. One of the most appreciated gestures among staff was the restoration of staff buses that had been grounded for years, easing daily transportation challenges and improving morale across the Ministry.
In a farewell message to the staff, the retiring Permanent Secretary expressed deep gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve the nation and thanked his colleagues for their support throughout his career. He described his time in the civil service as “both an honour and a privilege,” noting that the opportunity to contribute to national development across different ministries was a source of profound fulfilment. He urged officers still in service to remain committed to excellence, integrity and team spirit, stressing that their tasks, though demanding, offer unique opportunities to shape the future of the country. “Whatever we sow, we shall surely reap,” he reminded them, pledging to continue supporting national development even in retirement.
Following his exit, Ambassador Aduda officially handed over leadership of the Ministry to Dr. S. M. Attah, Director of the Army Affairs Department, who will serve as Acting Permanent Secretary.
Ambassador Aduda leaves behind a legacy of innovation, discipline and results-driven governance, which has strengthened institutional capacity in Nigeria’s defence sector and earned him the respect of colleagues and stakeholders alike.
