The Federal Government has rewarded three outstanding civil servants with two Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and a two-bedroom flat at the 2025 Federal Civil Service Rewards and Recognition Awards Ceremony.
The event which was held on Saturday night in Abuja, marked the grand finale of activities for the 2025 Civil Service Week celebration.
The awardees include 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 got an SUV and a cash prize of N500,000; and Mr Oluwabamidele Kogbe of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, who was awarded a two-bedroom flat.
15 other civil servants were also honoured with gifts including laptops, plaques, and cash prizes.
Speaking at the event, President Bola Tinubu lauded the commitment and exceptional services of Nigerian civil servants, describing them as 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.
Represented by Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Tinubu re-affirmed his administration’s commitment to reforms in the public service sector, including improved welfare and accountability mechanisms.
“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,” he said.
In her remarks, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, described the awardees as “quiet reformers” whose daily commitment has contributed immensely to service delivery and system strengthening.
“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,” she said.
Walson-Jack noted that 2025 Civil Service Week celebration included the maiden edition of the International Civil Service Conference (ICSC) which had delegates from across the world in attendance.
She described the conference as “a memorable event in the history of Nigeria’s public service”.
According to her, the ICSC served as a platform to redefine civil service standards and showcase Nigeria’s reform initiatives, including digitalisation, leadership training, and performance management systems.
The HCSF, therefore, urged MDAs to actively participate in future award processes, adding that some failed to submit nominations, while others did not meet established criteria.
Appreciating the gesture, one of the recipients, Mrs Bahijjatu, expressed gratitude for the recognition.
“I thank God for this honour. I also hope that those who were not recognised this year will be acknowledged in future, as many civil servants work diligently behind the scenes,” she said.
