President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a stern warning to public office holders to avoid nepotism, cronyism, and political patronage, describing these practices as major contributors to corruption and the erosion of institutional integrity within Nigeria’s public service.
The President delivered this cautionary message on Sunday night during the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS), held at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja. Represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, Tinubu emphasized the critical need for officials to maintain public trust by serving with dedication, integrity, and patriotism.
“Public service is a sacred trust,” Tinubu stated. “Every officer and employee must remain accountable to the people, carrying out their responsibilities with the highest standards of integrity, loyalty, and efficiency.” He further highlighted that entrenched vices such as nepotism, cronyism, and political patronage undermine transparency, weaken institutional performance, and distract public officials from fulfilling their mandates.
The President urged leaders to rise above these destructive practices, calling on them to distinguish themselves through exemplary service and leave a lasting legacy of integrity. “It is time for leaders to be counted among those who make a positive mark on history,” he said.
Addressing the global challenge of corruption in civil service systems, Tinubu noted persistent issues such as weak enforcement of laws and inadequate accountability mechanisms. “When laws and institutional checks are enforced inconsistently, it erodes public confidence and leaves a negative impression on citizens,” he added.
While congratulating the recipients of the NEAPS awards, Tinubu described the recognition as both a validation of their efforts and an inspiration for continued dedication to national development. A total of 50 individuals were honoured across various sectors for their exemplary contributions to governance and public service.
Speaking on behalf of the SGF, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, lauded the NEAPS awards as a credible and independent measure of public sector performance. “This initiative, driven by the private sector, has objectively assessed public servants and identified those deserving of recognition,” Idris said. “It serves as a performance scorecard, and I commend Mr. President for recognising the awardees and challenging them to achieve even more.”
The Minister also commended The Best Strategic Media, the organisers of the awards, for their rigorous selection process and affirmed the SGF’s commitment to sustaining the partnership to promote excellence in the public sector.
Among the notable awardees were Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah; SGF Senator George Akume; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; FCT Minister Nyesom Wike; and Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Finance, Wale Edun. Others recognised included Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN); Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa; NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku; and Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele.
Governors honoured at the ceremony included Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano), Umar Bago (Niger), Usman Ododo (Kogi), and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), among others.
Through his address, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering accountability, transparency, and excellence in public service, urging leaders at all levels to set the standard for ethical governance and national development.
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