President Bola Tinubu has called for stricter enforcement of accountability mechanisms across government institutions.
He stressed that rebuilding public trust requires firm sanctions and effective oversight.
Tinubu spoke at the third Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS) held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.
The President, who was represented at the forum by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, warned that weak enforcement of laws and lax monitoring fuel cynicism about governance.
“The unsystematic enforcement of law and institutional mechanisms for holding civil servants and public officials accountable will always lead to a negative impression on the citizens,” he stated.
President Tinubu urged leaders to distinguish themselves by integrity and responsibility.
He described public service as a trust that must be exercised with loyalty, efficiency, and creativity in solving citizens’ problems.
He emphasised that performance, not politics, should define recognition, noting that the NEAPS awards were based on empirical evidence of achievement.
Tinubu commended 50 honourees drawn from federal and state institutions, including governors and ministers, and urged them to see the awards as motivation to raise standards further. “This award is a validation of your approach, but much more a motivation to continue doing more towards the attainment of a better Nigeria,” he said.
Acknowledging that corruption remains a global challenge, Tinubu identified nepotism, cronyism, and patronage as vices undermining Nigeria’s civil service. He backed independent monitoring and consequences for misconduct as essential to reversing the trend.
The President also praised NEAPS convener, Ms Mariam Mohammed, for creating an initiative that encourages accountability. “Officials know they are being monitored by the people,” he noted.
Among those honoured were Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, Finance Minister Wale Edun, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, Immigration Comptroller-General Kemi Nandap, NFIU Director Hafsat Bakari, NEMA DG Zubaida Umar, CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso, FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed, Minister of State for Women Affairs Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, NDLEA Chairman Brig-Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), and Information Minister Mohammed Idris.
