In a synchronised nationwide push to redefine public sector accountability and citizen-focused service delivery, the SERVICOM Office, Presidency has spearheaded high-profile celebrations of the 2026 Customer Service Week. Spanning critical sectors including social protection, basic education, and aviation, leadership figures converged around this year’s defining theme: “The Extra Mile.” The nationwide commemorations spotlighted frontline resilience, structural innovation, and an unwavering commitment to surpassing public expectations across Nigerian Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
The nationwide campaign was spearheaded by the Ag. National Coordinator and CEO of SERVICOM, Mrs. Helen Lawal, who delivered core addresses and goodwill messages across multiple institutions on 14th October, 2026 in Abuja and Lagos. Stressing the profound symbolism behind this year’s theme, Mrs. Lawal re-emphasised that its official colours told a compelling story of a public service journey: “Royal Blue representing trust and professionalism, Bright Orange signifying energy and the human connection at the heart of service, White denoting clarity and honesty, and Dark Gray standing for strength and commitment.”
Across her engagements, she emphasised that going the extra mile means anticipating customer needs before complaints arose, showing deep empathy toward vulnerable populations, owning issues until full resolution, and fostering interdepartmental collaboration.
At the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), the event was marked by strong institutional commitments from top management. In his welcome address, the Executive Director of Administration, Barrister Samaila Abdul, opined that the celebration provided a vital opportunity to reaffirm dedication to public service, urging staff to let the theme inspire dedication, innovation, and empathy. The Managing Director/CE of NSITF, Mr. Oluwaseun Faleye, underscored the diverse yet unified culture of the Fund, noting that customers nationwide deserve a standard of empathy and professionalism. “A lot is expected of us as an organisation and we must rise up to the occasion,” Mr. Faleye stated. He insisted that the “Fund possesses the character, impetus, training, and exposure to deliver.” Echoing those sentiments, Mrs. Lawal lauded NSITF’s frontline staff for their daily resilience under pressure and commended leadership for honouring those who breathed life into the Fund’s promises.
The celebrations extended to the education sector at the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), where Mrs. Lawal delivered a comprehensive keynote address describing the theme as a strategic call to action for MDAs to elevate service standards. Representing the Executive Secretary of UBEC, the Deputy Executive Secretary Technical, Mr. Rasaq Olajuwon Akinyemi, highlighted the monumental role of service in building strong institutions and expanding opportunities. “For us at UBEC, service to humanity is demonstrated through our collective efforts to expand access to quality basic education for every Nigerian child. Every policy developed, every project implemented, every stakeholder engaged and every intervention monitored contributes to building a brighter future for our nation,” Mr. Akinyemi highlighted, adding that going the extra mile means reducing inequalities and empowering the next generation.
In the aviation sector, celebrations at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos showcased rigorous operational transformations under the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). Represented by the Head of SERVICOM Operations, Mrs. Ngozi Akinbodewa, Mrs. Lawal praised FAAN’s proactive stance, highlighting innovative milestones such as “Operation Air Clean” to combat touting and extortion, a newly established situation room platform, specialised customer service uniforms, and community outreach programmes involving local school mentorship.
Adding her voice to the aviation stakeholders, the Acting Director of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement at the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mrs. Francisca Adediji, noted that aviation service requires meticulous anticipation. “In Aviation Industry, exceptional service is not merely about fulfilling basic operations, it is anticipating passenger needs, ensuring seamless journeys and creating memorable experiences that reflect the warmth and efficiency of our nation,” she explained.
FAAN’s General Manager of Customer Service and Nodal Officer, Mrs. Monica Alphonse, reiterated that exceeding expectations requires total process ownership, while the Managing Director/CEO was represented at the event by the Director of Airport Operations, Captain Abdullahi Mahmood.
Culminating across all venues with enthusiastic stakeholder goodwill messages and prestigious awards for outstanding staff members who personified “The Extra Mile,” the 2026 Customer Service Week celebrations firmly established that Nigerian public institutions possess the vision, capacity, and dedication to deliver world-class, citizen-centric service.
Aderemi Ajibola Adelabu anipr
Public Awareness Manager
SERVICOM Presidency
14th October, 2026
