By Abdul Lauya
Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, has retired after 22 years of service, marking the end of a historic career in the civil service.
Aduda, the youngest Nigerian ever appointed a Federal Permanent Secretary, bowed out at 53 after completing his eight-year tenure, seven years before the statutory retirement age.
His leadership in the Defence Ministry was marked by reforms, including moves to centralize procurement across the Armed Forces and revive the long-abandoned Veterans’ Hospital project.
He also championed the creation of the Defence Industry Regulatory Department and pushed for the establishment of a National Mine Action Centre to address humanitarian demining challenges.
Beyond policy, Aduda earned staff admiration by restoring grounded staff buses and prioritizing welfare, a rare show of people-centered leadership in the federal bureaucracy.
In his farewell remarks, he described his journey as an “honour and a privilege,” urging colleagues to uphold integrity, teamwork, and excellence in the service of Nigeria.
The outgoing Permanent Secretary formally handed over to Dr. S. M. Attah, Director of Army Affairs Department, who assumes office in an acting capacity.
Attah inherits a ministry in transition, where the success or failure of pending reforms, particularly in defence procurement and veterans’ welfare, will test his administrative skill and political dexterity.
Aduda leaves behind a legacy of innovation and reform, but the continuity and implementation of his unfinished agenda will now rest squarely on the shoulders of his successor.
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