By Julius Peter, Abuja
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, has formally welcomed the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Mr Richard Pheelangwah, back to the ministry following the lifting of his suspension and his subsequent reinstatement by the Federal Government.
The minister’s welcome ceremony, which took place in Abuja on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, marked Pheelangwah’s official return to duty and underscored the ministry’s commitment to institutional continuity, effective administration and improved service delivery.
Speaking during the occasion, Pheelangwah expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the opportunity to resume his responsibilities, assuring the ministry’s leadership and staff of his determination to discharge his duties with renewed dedication, professionalism and commitment to national service.
He reaffirmed his readiness to contribute meaningfully to the ministry’s objectives, particularly in strengthening administrative efficiency and supporting the Federal Government’s defence and national security priorities.
In his response, General Musa expressed confidence in the cordial working relationship between him and the Permanent Secretary, emphasising the importance of sustaining their existing cooperation and understanding in advancing the ministry’s mandate.
The minister stressed the need for effective collaboration between the political leadership and the administrative arm of the ministry, noting that a harmonious working relationship remains essential to achieving institutional goals and delivering on the government’s defence and security responsibilities.
He expressed optimism that Pheelangwah’s return would further strengthen the ministry’s administrative structure and enhance the collective efforts of its leadership in addressing the country’s defence and security challenges.
The development is also seen as an important step towards ensuring stability and continuity in the ministry’s operations, particularly at a time when effective coordination, professionalism and efficient policy implementation remain critical to Nigeria’s national security architecture.
The Ministry of Defence plays a central role in formulating and implementing policies that support the protection of Nigeria’s territorial integrity, the maintenance of national sovereignty and the coordination of the country’s defence institutions.
The Permanent Secretary, as the ministry’s most senior career civil servant, provides administrative leadership and ensures the effective coordination of its departments and other relevant structures in implementing government policies.
Pheelangwah’s reinstatement and return to duty therefore provide an opportunity for the ministry’s leadership to consolidate its administrative processes and strengthen the working relationship necessary for achieving its statutory responsibilities.
The occasion reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Defence’s leadership to institutional stability, effective service delivery, professionalism and the pursuit of Nigeria’s defence and security objectives.
The reinstatement followed the Federal Government’s decision to lift the suspension earlier imposed on the Permanent Secretary, paving the way for his return to the ministry and the resumption of his official responsibilities.
The event was disclosed in a press release issued on Tuesday by Leah Katung-Babatunde, Special Adviser on Media to the Honourable Minister of Defence.
