FG Explains Why 18 Civil Servants Were Rewarded With SUVs, Laptops

The Federal Government has explained its recent decision to honour 18 exceptional civil servants with sports utility vehicles (SUVs), laptops, and other rewards, stating that the recognition was for their vital yet often unheralded contributions to the growth and reform of public service in Nigeria.

At the 2025 Civil Service Awards Night held in Abuja on Saturday, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, commended the recipients as dedicated professionals whose behind-the-scenes efforts are fundamental to the country’s progress.

“These individuals are the silent engines of reform — punctual, productive, and policy-driven. They work with discipline and integrity, often with little recognition. Tonight, we acknowledge their unwavering commitment,” she said.

Among the honourees, Dr. Bahijjatu Hadiza from the Federal Ministry of Environment emerged as the overall winner, receiving the presidential star prize, which included an SUV, a laptop, an award plaque, a certificate, a foreign training course, and a masterclass.

Chukwudi Ekwenugo from the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy also won an SUV, along with a laptop, ₦500,000 cash, and international training opportunities.

Other awardees were presented with cash rewards ranging from ₦250,000 to ₦500,000, as well as laptops and certificates of recognition.

Walson-Jack encouraged other public servants to stay motivated despite not being selected, emphasizing that dedication and excellence will always be noticed in time. “Keep working with integrity. Let your impact be so strong it can’t be ignored,” she added.

She also expressed concern that some Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) failed to submit qualified nominations, urging better participation in future editions.

The awards capped off the International Civil Service Conference, which took place earlier in the week at Eagle Square, attracting over 5,000 global delegates focused on improving public sector innovation and management.

Walson-Jack also commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting reforms in the civil service, including efforts in digital transformation, enhanced performance evaluation, welfare improvements, and discussions on a new minimum wage.

She stressed the need to cultivate punctuality as a professional value, declaring that showing up at 8:00 a.m. should be embraced as a standard of service culture and responsibility.