The Resident Pastor of Family Worship Church, Wuye, Abuja, Pastor Adegbe Wilson Akubo, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to improve the welfare and remuneration of Nigerian civil servants, stressing that workers who dedicate decades of service to the nation deserve better living conditions.
Speaking on Sunday during the Federal Civil Service Thanksgiving Service held at the Family Worship Church, Wuye, Abuja, to conclude activities marking the 2026 Civil Service Week, Pastor Akubo described it as disheartening that some civil servants retire after 35 years of service without owning a home or being able to adequately cater for their families.
“I am asking the federal government and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to make it easier for civil servants to do their work. Mr President, you have done well, but you can do more by improving their welfare,” he said.
“It is not right for somebody to serve this nation for 35 years and still not have a house. It is not right that someone who has served the nation cannot pay their children’s school fees.
“I plead with Mr. President and all those in positions of authority to make life easier for our civil servants so they can give their very best,” the cleric stated.
Akubo commended the Federal Civil Service for dedicating time to appreciate God, noting that no meaningful service can be rendered without divine help.
“I respect the decision of the civil service to come and thank God. As human beings, we can do nothing without God. Every service they have rendered to our nation has been possible because God has helped them. It is commendable that they acknowledge Him as their helper,” he said.
While praising ongoing reforms within the service, he stressed that there was still room for improvement, particularly in efficiency, innovation and citizen-centred service delivery.
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“They are doing well and have improved recently, but we want them to do more. We want files to move quickly. When a file comes to your table, treat it promptly and let it move. We want all civil servants to imbibe the culture of excellence because Nigeria is a blessed nation and we want the world to see that our civil service is among the best.”
Earlier, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, said the thanksgiving service was an opportunity to appreciate God for His faithfulness and guidance over the past year.
She said every milestone recorded and every challenge overcome by the Federal Civil Service had been made possible through God’s grace.
“We acknowledge that every milestone we have recorded, every challenge we have overcome and every success we celebrate has been possible only by His grace. Therefore, we say in unison, ‘God, thank You.’”
Walson-Jack also appreciated the leadership and members of Family Worship Church for their continuous prayers and support for Nigeria and the public service.
She noted that the encouragement from the church had inspired civil servants to remain committed to the values of integrity, excellence, accountability and selfless service.
“As we give thanks for the achievements of the past year, we also commit the future to God’s hands. We pray for greater wisdom, unity and strength to continue building a Federal Civil Service that is efficient, innovative, citizen-centred and worthy of the trust of Nigerians,” she said.
The Head of Service further urged civil servants to continue trusting in God, describing Him as the foundation of effective public service.
“God is the foundation of everything we need to do in our work. I urge civil servants to always trust Him and look unto Him for grace because His grace is sufficient. By His grace, we will continue to deliver the quality service Nigerians deserve,” Walson-Jack added.
The thanksgiving service marked the conclusion of activities organised to commemorate the 2026 Civil Service Week, with prayers offered for Nigeria, its leaders and the continued transformation of the Federal Civil Service.
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