After 22 Years, Defence Ministry’s Perm Sec Aduda Retires
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, has bowed out of the Federal Civil Service after 22 years of what colleagues described as “distinguished and reform-driven service” to Nigeria.
The announcement was contained in a press release signed by Patience Ituke, Principal Superintendent of Press, on behalf of the Director of Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence.
Aduda, who left office on Monday at the age of 53, is noted for being the youngest Nigerian ever appointed as a Federal Permanent Secretary. His mandatory eight-year tenure concluded seven years ahead of the statutory retirement age of 60.
Over the course of his career, Aduda traversed several ministries, but it was at the Ministry of Defence that his leadership left a strong imprint. His tenure was marked by policy reforms, institutional innovations, and efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s national security architecture.
Among his signature initiatives was the revitalization of Nigeria’s Defence Industry. He pushed for the creation of a Defence Industry Regulatory Department to promote indigenous production and align local practices with global standards—a proposal now under review at the Office of the Head of Service.
Read Also:
He also spearheaded the centralization of defence procurement across the Armed Forces, a reform designed to boost transparency, coordination, and cost-effectiveness, in consultation with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
Other notable efforts included reviving the long-abandoned Veterans’ Hospital project, with discussions involving Afreximbank for funding and Mayo Clinic, USA, for management, and advancing humanitarian demining through advocacy for a National Mine Action Centre under the Ministry of Defence.
Within the Ministry, Aduda was also remembered for staff welfare reforms. He earned staff union support after restoring official buses that had been grounded for decades, easing transport challenges for employees.
In his farewell message, Aduda expressed gratitude to God and appreciation to staff for their cooperation throughout his service. Describing his career as “an honour and a privilege,” he said contributing to nation-building across different ministries gave him deep fulfillment.
“Whatever we sow, we shall surely reap,” he told staff, urging them to uphold integrity, teamwork, and excellence in the discharge of their duties.
He formally handed over to Dr. S. M. Attah, Director of Army Affairs Department, who assumes office as Acting Permanent Secretary.
Aduda’s tenure is expected to be remembered for its focus on innovation, discipline, and results-driven governance—a legacy that, according to Ministry officials, will continue to shape the defence sector.
