President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has received the Shield Award from the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU) for his commitment to the welfare and interests of Nigerian workers.
The award, described by the union as its highest honour, was presented on Monday in Abuja as part of activities marking the NCSU’s 114th anniversary.
The award was received on behalf of the President by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), at Merit House, Abuja.
Presenting the award, NCSU National President, Comrade Oluwole Sunday, described Tinubu as a “true shield of the Nigerian worker,” saying the President’s policies had consistently prioritised the interests of the labour force.
Sunday said, “The President has demonstrated a genuine concern for the well-being of Nigerian workers through his interventions and policies.”
He added that the President’s interventions had “raised morale within the civil service” and demonstrated his commitment to improving the welfare of workers across the country.
The NCSU president said the Shield Award was reserved for individuals who had demonstrated “exceptional service and dedication to the advancement of Nigerian workers.”
Receiving the award on behalf of Tinubu, Keyamo expressed excitement over the recognition from the union, which he described as “the oldest trade union in Nigeria.”
Keyamo said the honour was significant because it came from an organisation with more than a century of history in advocating for workers’ interests.
The Minister also used the occasion to highlight what he described as Tinubu’s “demonstrated commitment to the welfare of Nigerian workers.”
He said the administration remained committed to supporting workers and maintaining constructive engagement with organised labour.
Keyamo was also recognised by the NCSU for his “continued solidarity with the Nigerian workforce.”
The award was later displayed by the Minister in his office alongside members of the NCSU leadership.
The NCSU, which has 84 affiliates, has a history spanning more than a century and predates the creation of Nigeria as an independent nation. The union is widely regarded as one of the earliest organised labour bodies in the country and played a role in confronting British colonial authorities in defence of Nigerian workers.