FG Proposes N777b Bond For Pension Arrears

The federal government has proposed a bond worth seven hundred and seventy-seven billion naira to settle the long-standing backlog of pension arrears in a bid to further boost the morale of public servants.

President Bola Tinubu made this known in Abuja at the 2025 Rewards and Recognition Ceremony for federal civil servants, to mark the grand finale of this year’s Civil Service Week.

President Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, described Nigeria’s wealth as its strong workforce, which serves as a catalyst for the nation’s transformation and development.

“Nigeria’s most precious resource is not oil or gold, It is our people, a strong ethical and innovative civil service Catalyses national transformation, as we honor the best among us today, let us also rededicate ourselves by higher calling of service. Knowing that, every act of diligence, every policy well integrated and every citizen uplifted brings closer to the Nigeria we envision”.

“To the awardees, I offer my deepest congratulations, your hard work integrity,
inspires the next generation of civil servants in Nigeria and across the nation.”

Earlier, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack charged public servants to demonstrate respect for the system through punctuality in order to fast-track the reforms the nation yearns for.

“Let me emphasise this clearly: punctuality and regular attendance are the
foundation of excellence in public service. Resuming work by 8:00 a.m. is not
just a rule; it is a culture we must reclaim and uphold. When we arrive on time,
we demonstrate respect for the system, our colleagues, and the citizens we serve”.

“Going forward, let us make punctuality and attendance the new face
of reform in our Civil Service.”

While highlighting the criteria for the selection of the awardees, Walson-Jack said, “These awardees are not just workers. They are reformers and quiet reformers.

They show up on time, meet deadlines, write policies, fix systems, and still
manage to maintain a smile. Their commitment to duty is not measured only by output, but by their presence, consistently accounted for and dependable. ”

Eighteen civil servants were honoured, with Mrs. Bahijatu Abubakar receiving the Presidential Distinguished Service Award.

Florence Adewale, Edited By Grace Namiji