On Saturday, President Bola Tinubu underscored the importance of accountability in public service during the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS) ceremony, held at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja, Arise TV reports.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu called on public servants to remember their roles as employees of the Nigerian people, not as owners of public institutions.
"Public institutions are not personal enterprises," Tinubu stated. "As public servants, you are accountable to the Nigerian citizens who you serve."
The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to fostering an environment where merit is acknowledged and rewarded. "Our goal is to create a system where public servants are motivated and recognized for their hard work and dedication," he said.
According to Arise TV, Vice President Shettima delivered the President's speech, titled “Honouring the Heartbeats of Public Service.” He highlighted the persistent issues within the public sector, despite measures to curb irregularities.
"While we have implemented systems to prevent dysfunction, there are still those who exploit weaknesses. It is crucial that we remind ourselves that our roles are to serve the public interest," he said.
The NEAPS Awards, a private sector initiative in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), aims to inspire excellence and set benchmarks in public service.
Tinubu lauded the initiative for its role in motivating the nation's workforce and promoting positive change. "Recognition and reward are essential for the growth of any institution," he noted.
In his address, Senator George Akume, the SGF, emphasized that the NEAPS Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and dedication in public service. The honorees were selected based on verifiable data, ensuring that the recognition was well-deserved.
The awards honored 44 individuals for their outstanding contributions to public service. Among the recipients 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.
Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, was recognized for Leadership and Administration, while Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), was awarded Administrator par Excellence. Several state governors were acknowledged for their interventions in various sectors.
The ceremony also recognized Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Mr. Olayemi Cardoso for Monetary Policy Reforms, and Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, for Industrial Revolution. Chief Jim Ovia, Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank, received the Lifetime Achievement in Banking award.
President Tinubu’s emphasis on accountability and meritocracy at the NEAPS Awards highlights the ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria’s public service sector, aiming to create a more effective and responsible government.