President Decries Nepotism, Orders Stronger Civil Service Reforms

President Bola Tinubu has decried the persistence of nepotism, cronyism and patronage in Nigeria’s public service, calling for stricter civil service reforms and tougher accountability mechanisms to rebuild public trust in government.

At the third Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS) held on Sunday night at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, the President warned that weak sanction systems and lax oversight often fuel cynicism about governance and erode citizens’ confidence in public institutions.

Tinubu was represented at the event by the minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.

“The unsystematic enforcement of law and institutional mechanisms for holding civil servants and public officials accountable will always lead to a negative impression on the citizens,” the President said.

He urged leaders across government to embrace responsibility, integrity, loyalty and efficiency, describing public service as a trust that must be exercised with creativity and a commitment to solving citizens’ problems.

“I wish that leaders would arise and stand up to be counted among leaders who have distinguished themselves to do the right thing and leave their footprints on the sands of time,” Tinubu added.

The President emphasised that “report cards are due,” noting that the NEAPS recognition—organised by The Best Strategic Media in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation—relies on performance indices rather than political considerations.

“These awards are born out of empirical evidence of performance and not politics,” he said, commending the 50 recipients drawn from federal and state institutions, including governors, ministers and heads of agencies.

While acknowledging the global challenge of corruption, Tinubu listed nepotism, cronyism, and patronage as vices that undermine the civil service and distract public institutions from their mandates.

He backed independent monitoring and firm consequences for misconduct as essential tools for reversing the trend.

The President praised the NEAPS convener, Ms. Mariam Mohammed, saying the initiative will push public officials to raise standards because “they know the people are monitoring them.”

Urging the honourees to treat their plaques as motivation rather than mere recognition, he said, “This award is a validation of your approach, but much more a motivation to continue doing more towards the attainment of a better Nigeria.”

The secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, also asked the recipients not to relent in their contributions to nation-building, stressing that growth and development “must remain our collective aspiration.”

“Do not slow down. Keep contributing to the growth and development of the public service and the society at large,” Akume said, adding that excellence should be sustained beyond ceremonies.

He commended TBS Media for a “thorough job” in evaluating performance and pledged continued collaboration.

Akume added that President Tinubu attended the event to “recognise the winners and charge them to do more,” underscoring the administration’s support for initiatives that reward integrity, accountability and results.

This year’s NEAPS edition honoured 44 individuals and organisations selected “based on empirical facts and figures,” the organisers said.

Among those honoured were Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri; Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed; Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni; Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo; Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno.

Others are  coordinating Minister of the Economy and Finance Minister Wale Edun; Aviation and Aerospace Minister Festus Keyamo; Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap; Director/CEO of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, Hafsat Bakari; Director-General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar; Central Bank Governor, Olayemi Cardoso; Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed; Minister of State for Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; NDLEA Chairman, Brig-Gen—Buba Marwa (retd.); and Information Minister, Mohammed Idris.

The awards recognise innovation, purposeful leadership and outstanding impact across public institutions.