By Nkechi Eze
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mr Richard Pheelangwa, has reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing staff welfare and creating a more conducive work environment, noting that employee productivity is strongly tied to the quality of their workspace. He made this known on Monday, 1 December 2025, during a familiarisation tour of departments, offices and facilities at the Ministry’s headquarters, Ship House, Abuja.
In an official statement signed by the Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations, Enderline Chukwu, it was disclosed that the Permanent Secretary undertook an extensive inspection across various offices to assess working conditions and interact directly with personnel. The visit, described as both comprehensive and interactive, enabled him to gain firsthand insights into staff needs and operational realities within the Ministry.
During the tour, Mr Pheelangwa emphasized the direct relationship between staff well-being and institutional performance. He noted that the workplace plays a central role in the daily lives of employees, adding that a supportive environment increases morale, health, and overall productivity. “A good working environment is good for productivity,” he said. He further stated: “Staff spend the greater part of their day at their workplaces. If the environment is conducive, they are happier, healthier, and more productive. I always advise staff to make their workplace pleasant and not allow any negativity to affect their work.”
The Permanent Secretary commended the Ministry for its organized structure and expressed satisfaction with the level of orderliness he observed. He assured staff that his administration would continue to prioritize their comfort through the provision of essential tools and resources needed to deliver efficient and effective service.
Mr Pheelangwa, who assumed duty on 26 November 2025, has since been engaging Directors and Heads of Units in a series of briefings aimed at understanding the Ministry’s operational demands and aligning his administrative goals with existing structures.
