The federal government has rewarded 18 exceptional civil servants with SUVs, laptops, cash prizes, and professional development opportunities in recognition of their outstanding contributions to public service.
The awards were presented at the 2025 Civil Service Awards Night in Abuja on Saturday, where two federal ministries were also honoured for excellence in governance.
The head of the federation’s civil service, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, praised the awardees as quiet reformers whose dedication embodies the spirit of true public service.
“They show up on time, meet deadlines, write policies, fix systems, and still manage to maintain a smile. Tonight, we pause to acknowledge the busyness and say: we see you. We thank you. We honour you,” she said.
Walson-Jack noted that the awards have become a permanent feature on the civil service calendar, spotlighting the often-unseen efforts of diligent public servants.
She reiterated the importance of punctuality, calling it a critical element of civil service reform.
“Resuming work by 8 a.m. is not just a rule; it is a culture we must reclaim. When we arrive on time, we demonstrate respect for the system, our colleagues, and the citizens we serve,” she said.
While celebrating the honourees, she urged other civil servants not to be disheartened if they were not recognised this year.
“Recognition may take time, but it will come.
Do your work so well that it cannot be ignored,” she advised.
However, she expressed concern over some Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) failing to submit nominations or nominating unqualified candidates, urging greater seriousness in future editions.
Senator George Akume, the secretary to the government of the federation, represented President Bola Tinubu and described civil servants as the backbone of governance and national development.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to fostering a public service rooted in merit, innovation, and accountability.
Among the recipients, Dr Bahijjatu Hadiza of the Federal Ministry of Environment received the Presidential Star Prize, which included an SUV, laptop, foreign training, and a masterclass opportunity.
Chukwudi Ekwenugo of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy also received an SUV, N500,000, a laptop, and professional training.
Other awardees were given laptops, cash prizes (N250,000–N500,000), housing benefits, and career development packages.
The event followed the successful International Civil Service Conference (ICSC), which brought over 5,000 delegates to Abuja to discuss governance innovation.
Walson-Jack highlighted progress in digitisation, performance evaluation, and welfare reforms, including the new minimum wage and pension improvements.
“This is just the beginning. The best of Nigeria’s civil service is yet to come,” she said.
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