The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, has formally retired from the Federal Civil Service after twenty-two years of dedicated and meritorious service to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Ambassador Aduda, who holds the distinction of being the youngest Nigerian ever appointed as a Federal Permanent Secretary, completed the mandatory eight-year tenure at just 53 years of age, seven years ahead of the statutory retirement age of 60.

Principal Superintendent of Press, Patience Ituke, in a statement, said Ambassador Aduda’s career journey, which traversed several key ministries, culminated in his stewardship at the Ministry of Defence, where he provided exemplary leadership, innovation, and commitment to advancing Nigeria’s national security and defence capabilities. Patience Ituke further stated that during his tenure, Ambassador Aduda championed critical reforms and institutional innovations with far-reaching implications for the Armed Forces and national defence.

Ambassador Aduda’s notable contributions include revitalizing Nigeria’s Defence Industry through the establishment of the Defence Industry Regulatory Department, centralizing defence procurement across the Armed Forces, reviving the Veterans’ Hospital Project, and advancing humanitarian demining efforts. In addition to institutional reforms, Ambassador Aduda prioritized staff welfare, restoring staff buses that had been grounded for decades and easing transportation challenges for employees.

In his farewell message to staff, Ambassador Aduda expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God and deep appreciation to his colleagues for their cooperation and support throughout his service. “Whatever we sow, we shall surely reap,” he reminded staff, charging them to continue rendering selfless service to the nation with the fear of God. Patience Ituke quoted Ambassador Aduda as saying his civil service journey was “an honour and a privilege,” emphasizing that the opportunity to contribute to nation-building across different ministries was a source of deep personal fulfillment.

Following his exit, Ambassador Aduda formally handed over the affairs of the Ministry to Dr. S. M. Attah, Director of Army Affairs Department, who will serve as Acting Permanent Secretary. Ambassador Aduda’s tenure will be remembered for its hallmark of innovation, discipline, and results-driven governance, leaving behind a legacy of reform and renewed capacity in Nigeria’s defence sector.