By Nkechi Eze
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd) has urged staff of the Ministry to embrace unity, professionalism, mutual respect and constructive dialogue to improve productivity and service delivery.
General Musa made the call on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, while receiving the 2026 Union Award alongside members of the Ministry’s management and staff during the Union Week Celebration and Award Presentation Day held at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters, Ship House, Abuja.
According to an official statement by Enderline Chukwu, Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations, the Minister said industrial harmony goes beyond the absence of disagreements between management and organised labour, 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 depended on the collective efforts of military personnel, civilian staff, management and organised labour, urging workers to give their best and recognise their individual roles in strengthening the institution.
The Minister also emphasised the importance of professional ethics, integrity, discipline, accountability and commitment to duty, noting that policies, structures and resources could only deliver the desired results when those entrusted with them demonstrate professionalism and dedication.
General Musa encouraged staff to pursue continuous improvement in their respective workplaces rather than simply accepting existing practices because “that is how it has always been done.”
He urged personnel to ask questions, identify areas requiring improvement and ensure that they leave their workplaces better than they found them.
While commending the civilian workforce for its contributions to the Ministry’s operations, particularly in administration, finance, logistics, technical, medical, legal and other specialised areas, the Minister congratulated the award recipients and urged them to see the recognition as motivation for greater service.
“The reward for hard work is more work,” he said.
General Musa 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,” called for collective commitment from management and staff.
Olaniyi said industrial harmony begins with mutual respect, fairness and understanding, as well as recognising the dignity of every individual and ensuring that workers’ concerns are addressed 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, while stressing the need for continuous improvement in workplace service delivery.
