Richard Pheelangwa Takes the Helm at Ministry of Defence: A New Era for Nigeria’s Security Architecture
By Reportcircle Abuja
In a moment of strategic significance for Nigeria’s national security, Mr. Richard Pheelangwa formally assumed office as the new Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence on Wednesday, 26 November 2025.
With a renewed commitment to strengthening the country’s defense capabilities, Pheelangwa pledged to lead with professionalism, transparency, and a sharp focus on improving the operational readiness of Nigeria’s military and defense institutions.
Pheelangwa, whose appointment was made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, described his new role as both an honor and a responsibility, one that demands his full dedication to the country’s defense and security goals.
In his inaugural speech, he expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with such a pivotal position at a time when the country faces complex security challenges.
Pheelangwa’s leadership will center around strengthening Nigeria’s defense architecture, with a focus on enhancing military administration, improving logistics and procurement, and ensuring robust international cooperation.
He reiterated that these mandates would be pursued with an unyielding commitment to efficiency, resource management, and the welfare of the staff, emphasizing that staff welfare is not a luxury but a necessity.
“I see this as a call to strengthen our nation’s security fabric,” Pheelangwa said. “In the face of increasing security challenges, it is critical that we collaborate closely, both within the Ministry and with our military institutions, to deliver the necessary reforms and innovations needed to secure our nation’s future.”
The new Permanent Secretary further highlighted his commitment to working collaboratively with key stakeholders in the Ministry of Defence, including the Honourable Minister, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Service Chiefs, and Directors.
He emphasized that teamwork and discipline would be key elements in his leadership strategy.
The incoming PS assured the Ministry’s staff that, under his guidance, the Ministry would strive to enhance operational readiness across all defense sectors.
He vowed to address systemic bottlenecks and inefficiencies, ensuring that the Ministry’s work aligns with the demands of modern-day security challenges.
In a show of solidarity, Dr. Sunday Attah, the Director overseeing the office of the Permanent Secretary, welcomed Pheelangwa to the Ministry, outlining the strengths of the team he was now leading. Dr. Attah emphasized that the Ministry is home to a highly skilled and experienced workforce, ready to cooperate and support Pheelangwa’s vision for a more effective and resilient national defense system.
“The Ministry of Defence has a capable team that will provide all necessary cooperation to ensure Mr. Pheelangwa’s success in this important role,” Dr. Attah assured, underlining the unity and professionalism that would characterize the new leadership era.
The event concluded with the formal signing of handing-over documents, marking the transition of leadership. Pheelangwa’s deployment to the Ministry of Defence from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources underscores his versatility and experience in public administration, qualities that will serve him well in his new role.
The Director of Legal Services, Mohammed Hamza, also expressed confidence in Pheelangwa’s leadership, noting that the new Permanent Secretary’s formidable team would be pivotal to driving the Ministry’s success in tackling Nigeria’s security challenges.
Hamza highlighted the Ministry’s readiness to work under Pheelangwa’s leadership, noting the commitment to cross-pollination of ideas and the achievement of shared goals.
As Nigeria faces growing security threats across various fronts, Pheelangwa’s leadership at the Ministry of Defence is seen as critical to the country’s efforts to reform its security apparatus and improve military readiness.
His vow to ensure the well-being of military personnel and the modernization of defense systems resonates strongly with the Ministry’s broader objectives under the administration of President Tinubu.
The event was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, as well as key representatives from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Nigeria’s defense and security landscape.
