The Federal Government has defended its decision to reward 18 exceptional civil servants with sport utility vehicles (SUVs), laptops, cash, and other valuable items, stating that the gesture honours their silent yet vital contributions to public sector reform.
Speaking at the 2025 Civil Service Awards Night held on Saturday in Abuja, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, described the recipients as “quiet reformers” who work diligently behind the scenes to drive national progress.
“These are individuals who consistently show up, meet deadlines, develop policies, fix broken systems, and do so with dedication and grace,” Walson-Jack said. “Tonight, we say: we see you, we thank you, and we honour you.”
Dr Bahijjatu Hadiza of the Federal Ministry of Environment received the night’s highest recognition , the Presidential Star Prize , which included an SUV, a laptop, a foreign short course, a masterclass programme, an award plaque, and a certificate.
Another standout awardee, Chukwudi Ekwenugo from the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, was also presented with an SUV, N500,000 cash, a laptop, and a foreign training opportunity.
Other honourees received cash awards ranging from N250,000 to N500,000, alongside laptops and certificates of recognition.
Walson-Jack used the occasion to encourage all public servants, noting that recognition may not always come immediately but remains assured for those who stay committed to excellence.
“Do your work so well that it cannot be ignored,” she urged.
However, she expressed concern that some Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) either failed to submit nominations or presented candidates who did not meet the required standards. She called for greater seriousness and compliance in subsequent editions.
The awards night came on the heels of the maiden International Civil Service Conference held earlier in the week at Eagle Square, which brought together over 5,000 delegates from across the globe to share ideas and best practices in public sector management.
Two federal ministries also received special recognition at the ceremony for their performance and contributions.
Walson-Jack reaffirmed the government’s commitment to civil service reforms, pointing to progress made in digitisation, performance management, and worker welfare, including recent steps towards a new minimum wage and pension reform.
She also stressed the importance of punctuality and discipline in the workplace. “Resuming work by 8:00 a.m. should not just be a rule; it must become a standard we proudly uphold,” she said.
Representing President Bola Tinubu at the event, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, commended the dedication of Nigeria’s civil servants, describing them as the backbone of the nation’s governance system.
He reiterated the administration’s commitment to fostering a work culture driven by merit, innovation, and accountability.
The awards, Walson-Jack noted, are now a regular feature on the civil service calendar, aimed at motivating staff and celebrating excellence in public service delivery.
