Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, has bowed out of the Federal Civil Service after 22 years of what he described as “an honour and a privilege to serve Nigeria.”
Aduda, who was the youngest Nigerian ever appointed as a Permanent Secretary, retired on Monday having completed his mandatory eight-year tenure. He leaves office at 53, seven years earlier than the statutory retirement age of 60.
Speaking at a brief handover ceremony in Abuja, Aduda expressed gratitude to God and to his colleagues, noting that his service across several ministries had been deeply fulfilling.
“It has been both an honour and a privilege to contribute to nation-building in different capacities. I urge all serving officers to remain steadfast in excellence, integrity and teamwork because the tasks before you are opportunities to shape Nigeria’s future,” he said.
He reminded staff that “whatever we sow, we shall surely reap,” while pledging continued support to national development in retirement.
Aduda’s tenure at Defence was marked by several reform initiatives. He spearheaded the establishment of a Defence Industry Regulatory Department, pushed for centralized procurement across the Armed Forces, and revived the long-abandoned Veterans’ Hospital project with discussions involving Afreximbank and Mayo Clinic, USA.
He also advocated for the operationalization of a National Mine Action Centre to coordinate humanitarian demining efforts.
Staff welfare featured prominently in his agenda, with unions praising him for restoring staff buses that had been grounded for decades.
Handing over to Dr. S. M. Attah, Director of Army Affairs Department, who now serves as Acting Permanent Secretary, Aduda urged staff to support his successor for continuity and stability.
“Ambassador Aduda’s era was one of innovation, discipline and compassion. He gave listening ears to staff and pushed for reforms that will outlast him,” a senior staff member said on the sidelines of the handover.
His exit, many insiders say, leaves behind “a legacy of reform and renewed capacity in Nigeria’s defence sector.”