The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has thrown his weight behind the forthcoming third edition of the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS), a prestigious initiative that recognises trailblazing contributions to national development. The annual event, being organised in collaboration with The Best Strategic PR (TBS), is scheduled to celebrate individuals and institutions whose impact in governance and public administration has driven transformative change across Nigeria.
Speaking during his formal endorsement of NEAPS 2025 on May 27, Senator Akume described the awards as a platform to showcase and reward the highest standards of innovation, leadership, and service delivery in the country. According to the SGF, the NEAPS stands as “a grand and prestigious independent award” created to spotlight individuals whose selfless service and groundbreaking reforms have made significant impacts within the public space.
Now in its third year, the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service was conceived as a platform to institutionalise recognition of excellence among individuals and groups in both the public and private sectors. The brainchild of Ms Mariam Mohammed, NEAPS is targeted at those who have displayed visionary leadership and dedication in improving the public service architecture of Nigeria.
Ms Mohammed, while highlighting the goals of NEAPS 2025, emphasised that the selection criteria will remain rigorous and merit-driven. She explained that awardees must demonstrate exceptional contributions to public service advancement, possess an unimpeachable service record, champion democratic values, and foster social equity. Furthermore, she stressed that the nomination and shortlisting process would be democratic, ensuring that the awards gain national credibility and acceptance.
The 2025 edition will feature recognitions in several categories, including Excellence in Infrastructure Service Delivery, Urban Renewal, Financial Innovation, Digital Innovation, Outstanding Reform Initiative, Security Management, and Transparency and Open Governance. These categories reflect the organisers’ commitment to honouring individuals and institutions that are creating sustainable impact and redefining service delivery in Nigeria.
Historically, the NEAPS has attracted national attention since its debut in 2022. The maiden edition, held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, saw 44 Nigerians honoured, with then-President Muhammadu Buhari personally presenting the awards. In 2024, the second edition recognised 49 distinguished Nigerians and was graced by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In his remarks at the event, Vice President Shettima commended the organisers for introducing a performance-based framework that genuinely measures excellence in public administration.
Over the years, recipients of the NEAPS award have gone on to achieve even greater prominence in both political and administrative circles. Notable past awardees include former President Goodluck Jonathan; the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, who has transformed the NCS into a top government revenue generator; and CBN Governor, Yemi Cardoso, lauded for stabilising the financial sector. Others include Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory; Governor Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State; Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State; and Ms Hadiza Bala-Usman, among others.
The NEAPS has quickly gained traction as a benchmark for service delivery excellence in Nigeria, reinforcing a culture of recognition and accountability in governance. As preparations for the 2025 edition gather momentum, expectations remain high for yet another memorable celebration of integrity, innovation, and impactful leadership in the Nigerian public space.
