Be Selfless, Excellent, Shettima Urges Public Servants

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on public servants across the country to embrace selflessness, discipline and excellence in the discharge of their duties, saying these values are critical to building strong institutions and driving national development.

Shettima made the call in Abuja while speaking at a public event, where he stressed that public office should be seen as a platform for service rather than personal gain. According to him, Nigeria’s progress depends largely on the character, commitment and sense of responsibility of those entrusted with public resources and authority. The Vice President urged civil servants to remain consistent, resilient and focused on long-term national interests, noting that sustainable governance is achieved through dedication, teamwork and adherence to ethical standards. He added that excellence in public service is not accidental but a product of deliberate effort, continuous learning and accountability. Shettima also encouraged public officials to document their work and institutional experiences, describing proper record-keeping as essential for preserving national memory and strengthening transparency in governance. He said such practices would help future leaders build on past achievements rather than start afresh. His remarks come amid ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to reform the public sector, improve service delivery and restore citizens’ confidence in government institutions. The administration has repeatedly emphasized integrity, professionalism and collaboration across ministries, departments and agencies as key pillars of its governance agenda. Observers say the Vice President’s message reflects a broader push to reposition the civil service as a people-centered institution capable of responding effectively to Nigeria’s social and economic challenges.