According to a report by Arise TV, President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerian public servants to maintain accountability and transparency, underscoring that public institutions are meant to serve the people rather than personal interests.
His remarks came during the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS) held at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja, on Saturday.
Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu highlighted his administration’s commitment to fostering an environment where merit is recognized and rewarded. "We are dedicated to creating an environment where merit is rewarded, and where every public servant feels valued and motivated to give their best," he said.
Tinubu’s speech, delivered by Vice President Shettima and titled “Honouring the Heartbeats of Public Service,” emphasized the importance of public trust and accountability. He noted that despite measures to prevent irregularities, some individuals still exploit loopholes in the system.
"Even though we have set in place institutional measures to forestall any form of dysfunction in our public service, there are still cracks often exploited by those given the trust of the nation," Shettima said.
The NEAPS Awards, a collaboration between the private sector and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), aims to recognize and reward excellence in public service.
Tinubu expressed his full support for the initiative, describing it as strategic for inspiring the nation’s workforce and setting benchmarks for positive change. "Reward and recognition are the very markers of every thriving institution, and indeed, nation," he stated.
The President emphasized that successful entities, whether public or private, honor those who uphold their values and drive progress. "The essence of any successful entity, whether a private enterprise or public institution, lies in its ability to honour those who work to uphold its values and drive its progress," he noted.
Senator George Akume, the SGF, in his welcome address, explained that NEAPS is a private sector-driven initiative recognizing innovation, leadership, and hard work in public service. The selection of honorees, he said, was based on verifiable empirical data.
The NEAPS Awards recognized 44 individuals for their exceptional contributions to public service. Among the honorees were Retired General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who received the Peace Building award, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who was honored with the Parliamentary Excellence award. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, also received the Parliamentary Excellence award.
Other notable awardees included Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, for Leadership and Administration; Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, for Administrator par Excellence; and several state governors for their interventions in various sectors.
Additionally, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Mr. Olayemi Cardoso was recognized for Monetary Policy Reforms, while Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, received the Industrial Revolution award. Chief Jim Ovia, Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement in Banking award.