The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, has officially bowed out of the Federal Civil Service after 22 years of dedicated and meritorious service to Nigeria.
Amb. Aduda, who made history as the youngest Nigerian ever appointed a Federal Permanent Secretary, retired at the age of 53, having completed the mandatory eight-year tenure—seven years before the statutory retirement age of 60. His career, which spanned several key ministries, culminated in his leadership at the Ministry of Defence, where he championed reforms that strengthened national security and defence operations.
During his stewardship, Aduda initiated far-reaching reforms, including the establishment of the Defence Industry Regulatory Department to boost indigenous production and self-sufficiency, centralization of defence procurement to improve transparency and efficiency, and the revival of the long-abandoned Veterans’ Hospital project in partnership with Afreximbank and Mayo Clinic, USA. He also played a pivotal role in advancing humanitarian demining efforts through the proposed National Mine Action Centre.
Known for his people-centered leadership style, Aduda prioritized staff welfare and won the admiration of unions by restoring staff buses that had been grounded for decades, easing the transportation burden for employees.
In a farewell message to staff, the retiring Permanent Secretary expressed gratitude to God and appreciation to colleagues for their support throughout his career. He described his service as “an honour and a privilege,” urging serving officers to uphold excellence, integrity, and teamwork in the discharge of their duties.
“Whatever we sow, we shall surely reap,” he reminded staff, while pledging to continue supporting national development even in retirement.
Following his exit, Amb. Aduda formally handed over to Dr. S. M. Attah, Director of Army Affairs, who will serve as Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence.
Amb. Aduda’s tenure will be remembered for its innovation, discipline, and results-driven governance, leaving behind a legacy of reform and renewed capacity in Nigeria’s defence sector.
LV