CDS Tasks Ministry of Defence on Development of a Joint Unified Headquarters to House Military & Civilian Cells for better synergy/productivity

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin has called on the Ministry of Defence to look into the possibility of initiating the development of a unified headquarters complex that will house both the military services headquarters as well as the civilian cell of the ministry for better synergy and productivity.

While noting that it is the best practice all over the world, General Olonisakin disclosed that a situation where important operational issues are dispatched to the ministry of Defence and they take upwards of 3 days in some instances to be attended to does not augur well for military operations.

The CDS spoke on Wednesday when he Recieved the new Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mr. Babangida Hussaini who was on a familiarization visit to the Defence Headquarters.

Olonisakin noted that a n environment where there will be a mix of ministry of Defence personnel (civilians) working together with their military counterparts will enhance productivity recalling that this played out very well in the past at Defence house in Lagos in the 1980s and 1990s.

While congratulating the Perm Sec on his appointment, the CDS said he was looking forward to a seamless working relationship with the ministry noting the MOD’s support and partnership was critical to attaining DHQ’s mandate of ensuring peace and Stability for the nation.

In his speech, Mr. Hussaini said his visit was educative and to seek cooperation for effective coordination in policy formulation and implementation towards ensuring that the mandate of keeping the country safe and security for security challenges are achieved.

“My visit is also to solicit for improved synergy and to ensure proper and effective line of communication between the ministry and the Defence headquarters.

Furthermore, he Perm Sec said the visit is to “reaffirm our commitment to do our level best to provide the required and necessary support to ensure that the services (Army, Navy, Airforce) are doing their level best towards attaining peace and Stability.
He stated that his deployment to the ministry of Defence is to ensure that President Muhammadu Bihari (C in C) is availed correct and neccesary information at any required time.

The Perm Sec was accompanied by Directors in the ministry of Defence while Principal Staff Officers and Departmental heads at Defence headquarters accompanied the Chief of Defence Staff to the meeting.