The Federal Government has justified the award of SUVs, laptops, and other gifts to 18 exceptional civil servants, stating it was in recognition of their silent but significant role in advancing public service reforms.

At the 2025 Civil Service Awards Night held Saturday in Abuja, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, described the recipients as “quiet reformers” whose behind-the-scenes efforts are crucial to national progress.

“These individuals consistently demonstrate excellence, integrity, and discipline in a challenging work environment,” she said. “They are the ones who show up early, meet deadlines, draft policies, and improve systems—all with a positive attitude.”

Walson-Jack said the awards were meant to appreciate the often-overlooked commitment of dedicated public servants. “Tonight, we pause to say: we see you, we thank you, and we honour you.”

Dr. Bahijjatu Hadiza from the Federal Ministry of Environment received the presidential star prize, which included an SUV, a laptop, a plaque, an award certificate, a short foreign course, and a masterclass programme.

Chukwudi Ekwenugo from the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy also received an SUV, a laptop, N500,000 cash, and a foreign course, among other prizes.

Other awardees received cash rewards ranging from N250,000 to N500,000, in addition to laptops and other items.

While congratulating the recipients, Walson-Jack urged others not to be discouraged if they were not recognised this year. “Recognition may be delayed, but it will come. Do your work so well that it cannot be ignored,” she encouraged.

She also expressed concern that some ministries, departments, and agencies either failed to submit nominations or proposed unqualified candidates, urging them to take future editions more seriously.

The awards followed the first-ever International Civil Service Conference, which held earlier in the week at Eagle Square, attracting over 5,000 participants from around the world to discuss innovations in public service.

Walson-Jack affirmed that the awards ceremony is now a permanent part of the civil service calendar, meant to spotlight the contributions of dedicated workers.

She praised President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to civil service reforms, particularly in areas such as digital transformation, performance tracking, improved welfare, the new minimum wage, and pension reforms.

She emphasized the importance of punctuality and discipline, saying, “Starting work at 8:00 am should be more than a rule—it must become a part of our culture. It shows respect for the system, for our colleagues, and for the citizens we serve.”

Representing President Tinubu at the event, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, applauded the resilience of Nigerian civil servants, calling them the backbone of governance and development.

He reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to reforming the public sector to promote merit, accountability, and innovation.