At the State House in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu has called for a renewed commitment to accountability and ethical leadership within Nigeria’s public institutions. Speaking at the third Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service, he highlighted the need for robust enforcement of laws across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to restore trust in government.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, warned that inadequate sanctions and lax oversight foster public cynicism. He stated, “When laws and institutional mechanisms for holding civil servants accountable are applied inconsistently, it inevitably creates a negative perception among the populace.”
The President urged public leaders to act with integrity and to set high ethical standards, encouraging them to leave lasting legacies of good governance. “I hope that leaders will rise and be recognised as those who have done the right thing and left footprints on the sands of time,” he remarked.
Stressing that public service is a trust, Tinubu called for efficiency, responsibility, and creativity in addressing the challenges faced by citizens. He highlighted the significance of the awards, organised by The Best Strategic Media in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, for recognising performance over political influence.
Tinubu condemned nepotism, cronyism, and patronage as barriers to effective service delivery and expressed support for independent oversight and accountability. He praised Ms Mariam Mohammed, the NEAPS convener, for her initiative, which motivates officials to maintain high standards knowing that their performance is being monitored by the public.
“The award validates your efforts and should serve as encouragement to continue contributing to the advancement of Nigeria,” the President added. Information Minister Mohammed Idris echoed this sentiment, urging recipients not to relent in their commitment to nation-building and the development of public services.
The awards, according to Idris, offer a credible assessment of public officers’ work and provide incentives for improved service delivery. This year, 44 individuals and organisations received recognition in 2025 based on measurable achievements rather than political considerations.
Honourees included prominent figures such as Governors Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, Usman Ododo of Kogi, and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom. Senior federal officials recognised were Finance Minister Wale Edun, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, Comptroller-General of Immigration Kemi Nandap, and NFIU CEO Hafsat Bakari, alongside several other distinguished leaders in public service.
