The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, has retired from the Federal Civil Service after 22 years of service, leaving behind a legacy of reform and innovation in Nigeria’s defence sector.
This is contained in a statement by Patience Ituke, Principal Superintendent of Press at the Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, on Monday in Abuja.
Ituke said Aduda, who at 53 became the youngest Nigerian ever to complete the mandatory eight-year tenure as a Federal Permanent Secretary, bowed out seven years before the statutory retirement age of 60.
“During his tenure, he initiated far-reaching reforms, including the establishment of a Defence Industry Regulatory Department to boost local arms production.
“These also include the proposals for centralised procurement across the Armed Forces, revival of the long-abandoned Veterans’ Hospital project, and advocacy for a National Mine Action Centre to drive humanitarian demining.
“He also prioritised staff welfare, earning the admiration of unions by restoring staff buses that had been grounded for decades, thereby easing transportation challenges for employees,” Ituke said.
In his farewell message, Aduda expressed gratitude to God and appreciation to colleagues, describing his civil service journey as “an honour and a privilege.”
He urged serving officers to embrace integrity, excellence and teamwork, stressing that their roles are both demanding and vital to shaping Nigeria’s future.
The outgoing permanent secretary pledged to continue to support national development even in retirement.
Aduda has handed over the affairs of the ministry to Dr. S.M. Attah, Director, Army Affairs Department, who will serve as Acting Permanent Secretary.
