From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Outstanding civil servants have been honoured with awards, ranging from cars, two-bedroom flats and cash to international training opportunities at the 2025 Federal Civil Service rewards and recognition awards ceremony marking the conclusion of the event at the weekend,
Among the top honourees were Bahijjatu Hadiza of the Federal Ministry of Environment, awarded the prestigious Presidential Star Prize, which included a brand-new SUV, a laptop, an international short course, a masterclass programme, a plaque and a certificate. Chukwudi Ekwenugo of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy received an SUV, a N500,000 cash prize, a laptop and foreign training. Oluwabamidele Kogbe of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development was presented with a two-bedroom flat.
Fifteen other civil servants were recognised with gifts, such as laptops, plaques and cash prizes, ranging from N250,000 to N500,000, as well as opportunities for international training.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, praised the dedication and resilience of Nigeria’s civil servants, calling them the “engine room” of national governance and policy implementation. “We are here to celebrate the dedication and exceptional contributions of our civil servants. Their tireless efforts reflect our shared commitment to national progress,” Tinubu said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reforms in the public service sector, stating, “Performance must no longer be optional. Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) must institutionalise consequence management, rewarding integrity and excellence, while ensuring that misconduct is duly sanctioned.”
Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, praised President Tinubu for his unwavering support for civil service reforms, citing recent strides in digitisation, performance management and welfare, including the new minimum wage and pension reforms.
She described the awardees as “quiet reformers” whose daily commitment has strengthened service delivery. “This evening, we celebrate not rank, but impact. These civil servants consistently show up, meet deadlines and drive change. Punctuality and regular attendance must once again define our service culture.
“They show up on time, meet deadlines, write policies, fix systems and still manage to maintain a smile. Tonight, we pause to acknowledge the business and say we see you. We thank you. We honour you.”
The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation was also specially recognised for its unwavering support, having sponsored cash prizes for 16 out of the 21 award categories and playing a pivotal role in motivating and rewarding excellence across the civil service landscape.
“This gesture is a token of appreciation for the foundation’s unwavering investment in public sector development,” Walson-Jack said.
She urged MDAs to actively participate in future award processes, noting that some failed to submit nominations or did not meet established criteria. She called for a renewed culture of punctuality and discipline, adding, “Resuming work by 8:00 a.m. is not just a rule; it is a culture we must reclaim and uphold. When we arrive on time, we demonstrate respect for the system, our colleagues and the citizens we serve.”
The ceremony followed the maiden International Civil Service Conference (ICSC), which brought together over 5,000 delegates from around the world to share ideas and showcase Nigeria’s reform initiatives, including digitalisation, leadership training and performance management systems.
Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Tunji Olaopa, also praised the dedication and achievements of Nigeria’s civil servants, highlighting recent reforms and vowing to elevate the service to greater heights.
He expressed pride in the progress made under the leadership of the Head of Service of the Federation and commended the awardees for their outstanding contributions, stating, “I am particularly impressed with the excellence, organisation and the new face you have given to the civil service. We have maintained the tradition of engaging those who give their very best in service to our country.”
Olaopa acknowledged the ongoing reforms within the civil service and the strong collaboration between the Office of the Head of Service and the FCSC, noting, “We are determined to work together to take this service to greater heights. It is not just about protecting boundaries, but about giving our best to the profession that allows us to serve our country.”
He also thanked President Tinubu for his support, saying, “We are very grateful for his passion and determination and for making the future of the service central to the Renewed Hope Agenda.”