New Defence Perm Sec Strategizes To Deliver National Security Mandate

In a bid to enhance military operations and strengthen Nigeria’s overall defence system, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence Richard Pheelangwah has outlined a clear set of priorities aimed at improving efficiency and accountability across the Ministry as he assumes duty.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, he pledged to promote transparency, teamwork, meritocracy, discipline, and strict adherence to due process, values he described as essential for a functional defence à

According to him, systems only work effectively when institutions follow established rules, and the Ministry must exemplify this in order to support the Armed Forces optimally.

Pheelangwah emphasized the Ministry’s central role in the country’s security architecture, particularly in providing logistics and policy direction to the military.

To this end, he promised to strengthen administrative processes, sharpen institutional systems, and prioritise staff welfare so that personnel are better positioned to deliver on national security mandates.

The Permanent Secretary further highlighted the importance of collaboration, stressing that safeguarding the nation requires the collective efforts of all stakeholders.

He also assured that his leadership would maintain a strong, mission-driven partnership with the Service Chiefs, supported by an open-door policy to encourage communication and problem-solving.

Earlier, the Director Army, Dr. Sunday Attah, who had overseen the Ministry’s operations in the past two months, thanked staff for their support and pledged his full cooperation as the Permanent Secretary drives the new reform agenda.

Aisha Adesanya, Edited By Grace Namiji