By Reportcircle Abuja
In a decisive move aimed at strengthening efficiency within Nigeria’s defence architecture, the newly appointed Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Richard Pheelangwa, on Monday launched an extensive workplace assessment tour signalling what insiders describe as a fresh era of accountability, staff welfare prioritisation and operational discipline.
Pheelangwa, who assumed office on 26 November 2025, moved through departments, offices and critical facilities at the Ministry’s Ship House headquarters in Abuja, engaging directly with workers and scrutinising their day-to-day conditions.
His message was blunt, businesslike and clear: a conducive environment is not a luxury, it’s the engine of productivity.
“As public servants, staff spend the greater part of their day at work,” he told officers and civilian personnel during the tour. “If the environment is conducive, they are happier, healthier and more productive. A good working environment is good for productivity. I always advise staff to make their workplace pleasant and not allow any negativity to affect their work.”
The Permanent Secretary underscored the Ministry’s strategic role in national security and insisted that internal efficiency must reflect the seriousness of its mandate.
He praised the orderliness he observed across departments and commended staff for maintaining professional standards despite existing operational constraints.
But he also signalled that the days of neglected offices, outdated tools and poorly supported staff are over.
Pheelangwa assured workers that his administration will prioritise their comfort, motivation and performance, pledging necessary tools and upgrades to drive a more responsive, agile and results-driven Ministry.
Since assuming office, the Permanent Secretary has engaged Directors and Heads of Units in a series of technical briefings aimed at understanding the Ministry’s operational gaps, workflow challenges and immediate resource needs.
The ongoing tour, officials say, is part of a broader reform blueprint that will unfold in phases.
For many staff, his hands-on approach is already a marked shift one that may reshape workplace culture across one of the nation’s most strategic ministries.
