By Harriet Tornguvan
…Describes new role as an honour and a call to strengthen Nigeria’s defence architecture
Richard Pheelangwa has formally assumed duty as the new Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, describing his appointment as “an honour, a responsibility, and a call to strengthen Nigeria’s Defence architecture.” He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him.
Pheelangwa took over on the 26th November 2025, at the Ministry’s headquarters, Ship House, Abuja.
In his remarks, he pledged to uphold professionalism, transparency, discipline and teamwork in executing the ministry’s core mandates, which include defence policy formulation, military administration, logistics, procurement and international cooperation.
He further reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the Minister of Defence, the Minister of State, Service Chiefs, Directors and staff of the Ministry to improve efficiency, strengthen resource management and sustain operational readiness across defence institutions.
He stressed that staff welfare would receive priority attention, noting that “welfare is not a luxury but a necessity.”
Sunday Attah, the Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, assured Pheelangwa of a smooth transition, describing the ministry as a hub of experienced professionals ready to support and collaborate with him to achieve set goals.
The event featured the formal signing of handing-over and taking-over documents between Attah and the new Permanent Secretary. Pheelangwa joins the Ministry of Defence from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources.
Reiterating the ministry’s support, Director of Legal Services, Mohammed Hamza, stated that the new Permanent Secretary would find a formidable and cooperative team eager to contribute ideas that would add value and ensure his success.
The ceremony was attended by Directors and senior officials of the Ministry of Defence, as well as representatives from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources.
