The Federal Government has rewarded three outstanding civil servants with two Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and a two-bedroom flat during the 2025 Federal Civil Service Rewards and Recognition Awards Ceremony.
The event, held on Saturday night in Abuja, marked the grand finale of activities commemorating the 2025 Civil Service Week.
The recipients were Mrs. Hadiza Bahijjatu of the Federal Ministry of Environment, who received an SUV; Mr. Chukwudi Ekwenugo of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, who also received an SUV and a cash prize of ₦500,000; and Mr. Oluwabamidele Kogbe of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, who was awarded a two-bedroom flat.
Fifteen other civil servants were also recognised with various gifts, including laptops, plaques, and cash awards.
President Bola Tinubu, in his remarks delivered by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, praised the dedication and exceptional service of civil servants, describing them as the “engine room” of governance and policy implementation.
“We are here to honour the dedication and remarkable contributions of our civil servants. Their tireless efforts reflect our shared commitment to national progress,” Tinubu said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ongoing reforms in the public sector, including improved welfare and accountability mechanisms.
“Performance must no longer be optional. Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) must entrench consequence management — rewarding integrity and excellence, while sanctioning misconduct,” he added.
Also speaking, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, described the honourees as “quiet reformers” whose daily work has significantly enhanced service delivery and institutional resilience.
“This evening, we celebrate not rank, but impact. These civil servants consistently show up, meet deadlines, and drive reform. Punctuality and regular attendance must once again define our service culture,” she said.
Walson-Jack highlighted that this year’s Civil Service Week included the inaugural International Civil Service Conference (ICSC), which drew delegates from around the world.
She described the conference as a “landmark event” in Nigeria’s public service history, noting that it provided a platform to showcase reform initiatives, including digitalisation, leadership development, and performance management systems.
She urged MDAs to engage more actively in future award processes, noting that some failed to submit nominations while others did not meet the selection criteria.
Expressing her appreciation, Mrs. Bahijjatu thanked the government for the recognition.
“I thank God for this honour. I also hope that those not recognised this year will be acknowledged in future, as many civil servants work diligently behind the scenes,” she said.
