The Nigerian government, through the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, OHCSF, has recognised 18 exemplary public servants.
The honour was part of the 2025 Federal Civil Service week. They received their recognitions at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
They were individuals whose dedication, innovation, and integrity have driven meaningful progress across Nigeria’s public sector.
The highest honour, the Presidential Distinguished Civil Service Career Award, was presented to Engr. (Dr.) Bahijjahtu Hadiza Abubakar, Director of Pollution Control & Environmental Health at the Federal Ministry of Environment.
Meanwhile, Dr Oluwabamidele Ibrahim Kobe, Assistant Chief Administrative Officer at the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, received the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation EPIC Award for his exceptional commitment to administrative excellence and innovative policy implementation.
Other awardees were celebrated across categories, including Digital Transformation, Citizen-Centric Service Delivery, and Leadership in Public Sector Innovation, reinforcing the government’s commitment to fostering a merit-driven civil service.
In her keynote address, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, lauded the awardees as embodiments of the “quiet achievers” who power Nigeria’s progress.
“Today, we celebrate not just titles, but impact, not positions, but purpose,” she declared.
“These honourees have demonstrated that excellence is not an accident, but a choice, one built on discipline, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to serving the Nigerian people”, she said.
Mrs Walson-Jack emphasised the critical role of punctuality, accountability, and workplace ethics in driving systemic reform and stressed the importance of discipline in the service.
“Punctuality and regular attendance are not merely procedural requirements; they are foundational to the culture of excellence we must restore and uphold in the Nigerian Civil Service. Reporting to duty by 8:00 a.m. is an expression of respect for the institution, our colleagues, and the citizens we serve. In the future, we must embrace these values as hallmarks of reform and professionalism across the Service”, she said.
Mrs Walson-Jack stated that the event was a powerful reminder for all to reflect and reenergize their commitment to the values that define true public service and called on all to push beyond their limits, strive for higher standards, and dedicate themselves more courageously to excellence and integrity in their work.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation also noted that transformation is not theoretical but is powered daily by quiet achievers and unsung heroes who serve with excellence, integrity, and dedication. She reminded those not recognised this year that their work is not unnoticed, urging all public servants to continue giving their best, upholding merit, and serving the nation with unwavering dedication.
The event, attended by top dignitaries including Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Hon. Sani Bala, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Sector Matters, underscored the government’s resolve to build a citizen-focused, digitally empowered, and performance-driven civil service.
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