Paragraph 1: The Nigerian Federal Government has emphatically defended its decision to lavishly reward 18 exceptional civil servants with a range of valuable prizes, including sports utility vehicles (SUVs), laptops, cash awards, and foreign training opportunities. This gesture, according to the government, was a tangible expression of its recognition and appreciation for the awardees’ quiet yet impactful contributions to the ongoing reforms within the public service. The awards were presented at the prestigious 2025 Civil Service Awards Night held in Abuja, marking a significant occasion for celebrating the dedication and commitment of these unsung heroes of national development.
Paragraph 2: Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, presided over the ceremony and lauded the honorees as “quiet reformers.” She highlighted their unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and discipline, even within a demanding and often challenging system. Walson-Jack emphasized the crucial role these civil servants play in the nation’s progress, often working diligently behind the scenes to craft policies, refine systems, and ensure the smooth functioning of government operations. The awards ceremony provided a platform to acknowledge their dedication and express gratitude for their tireless efforts.
Paragraph 3: The awards themselves varied in value and scope, reflecting the different levels of achievement recognized. Dr. Bahijjatu Hadiza from the Federal Ministry of Environment received the coveted presidential star prize, which included an SUV, a laptop, a plaque, a certificate of recognition, a foreign short course opportunity, and a prestigious masterclass program. Chukwudi Ekwenugo from the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy also received an SUV, a substantial cash prize of N500,000, a laptop, and a foreign short course. Other awardees received cash prizes ranging from N250,000 to N500,000, along with laptops and other valuable items. These rewards not only served as a tangible recognition of their accomplishments but also as an incentive for continued excellence within the civil service.
Paragraph 4: While celebrating the achievements of the recognized individuals, Mrs. Walson-Jack also addressed those civil servants who were not honored this year. She encouraged them to remain dedicated and persistent in their pursuit of excellence, assuring them that recognition would eventually come to those who consistently deliver exceptional work. She highlighted the importance of performing duties diligently, emphasizing that impactful work would ultimately garner recognition, even if it takes time. This message of encouragement extended to all civil servants, emphasizing the importance of dedication and commitment regardless of immediate recognition.
Paragraph 5: However, Walson-Jack also expressed her disappointment with some Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) that failed to submit nominations or put forward candidates who did not meet the established criteria. She stressed the need for greater compliance and seriousness in subsequent editions of the awards, urging MDAs to take the nomination process more seriously and ensure that deserving individuals are appropriately recognized. This call for improved compliance highlighted the importance of ensuring a fair and transparent nomination process that truly identifies and rewards the most deserving civil servants.
Paragraph 6: The awards ceremony followed the inaugural International Civil Service Conference, which attracted over 5,000 delegates from around the world. This conference provided a valuable platform for exchanging ideas and exploring innovative approaches to public sector management. Walson-Jack stressed the significance of the awards ceremony as a regular fixture on the civil service calendar, serving as a platform to consistently appreciate and celebrate public servants. She also commended President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering support for civil service reforms, including advancements in digitization, performance management, and welfare enhancements such as the new minimum wage and pension reforms. Finally, she called for a renewed focus on punctuality and discipline within the service, emphasizing that timely resumption and consistent attendance are crucial aspects of the ongoing reform efforts. Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, representing the President, echoed this sentiment, commending the dedication and resilience of Nigeria’s civil servants and reaffirming the administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for their continued growth and effectiveness. He emphasized the government’s commitment to reforms that promote merit, innovation, and accountability within the public service.
