By Joy Odor
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, has retired from the Federal Civil Service after 22 years of service, bowing out as the youngest Nigerian to have ever held the position of Federal Permanent Secretary.
Aduda, who completed the mandatory eight-year tenure at just 53 years old, seven years before the statutory retirement age of 60 ended his career at the Ministry of Defence, where his leadership was marked by institutional reforms and innovations that reshaped Nigeria’s defence administration.
During his tenure, Aduda championed policies aimed at modernizing the defence sector. Among his most notable contributions were:
Revitalizing Nigeria’s Defence Industry through the establishment of a Defence Industry Regulatory Department, designed to boost indigenous military production and align with international best practices.
Centralizing Defence Procurement across the Armed Forces to promote transparency and cost-effectiveness, with consultations advanced with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
Reviving the Veterans’ Hospital Project, securing discussions with Afreximbank for funding and Mayo Clinic, USA, for proposed management of the facility.
Advancing Humanitarian Demining Efforts by pushing for the establishment of a National Mine Action Centre through an Executive Order.
Beyond institutional reforms, Aduda earned praise from staff unions for prioritizing welfare, including restoring long-abandoned staff buses to ease transport challenges for employees.
In his farewell address, Aduda expressed gratitude to God and appreciation to colleagues for their support throughout his career.
He described his civil service journey as “an honour and a privilege,” urging officers to uphold integrity, excellence, and patriotism in service to the nation.
“Whatever we sow, we shall surely reap,” he reminded staff, pledging to continue supporting Nigeria’s development even in retirement.
Aduda formally handed over to Dr. S. M. Attah, Director of Army Affairs, who will now serve as Acting Permanent Secretary.
His tenure, observers say, will be remembered for its emphasis on innovation, discipline, and results-driven governance, leaving a legacy of reform and renewed capacity in Nigeria’s defence sector
