President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the conferment of national honours on 959 distinguished Nigerians and friends of the country, marking one of the largest recognition exercises in recent years.
The announcement was made following the Council of State meeting held on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Council of State Endorsement
The Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs Office, Dr. Emanso Umobong, disclosed the decision while briefing State House correspondents after the meeting.
She explained that the approval covered both the 2024/2025 National Honours and special awards conferred by the President between January 2025 and October 2025.
“The Council today approved the report of the National Honours Award Committee for the years 2024 and 2025, as well as the special awards earlier bestowed by the President between January 2025 and now,” Dr. Umobong stated.
She recalled that in August 2021, the President reconstituted the National Honours Award Committee, chaired by His Royal Highness Justice Sidi Bage Mohammed (Rtd), the Emir of Lafia and a former Justice of the Supreme Court.
959 Honourees Selected After Rigorous Screening
According to Dr. Umobong, the committee, which comprised eminent Nigerians, screened over 5,000 applications before recommending 824 recipients for national honours and 135 individuals for special presidential awards — making a total of 959 honourees.
“The award of titles of honour and decorations is an annual national event at which the President recognises and celebrates deserving citizens and friends of Nigeria who have distinguished themselves in the service of the nation and humanity,” she explained.
She further emphasised that the reconstituted committee adopted a transparent, fair, and merit-based selection process to ensure national inclusiveness.
Notable Recipients of the 2024/2025 Honours
Among those named for national recognition are several notable figures:
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Bill Gates, honoured for his contributions to public health and humanitarian work in Nigeria.
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The Ogoni Nine (posthumously) and the Ogoni Four, recognised for their environmental activism and struggle for justice.
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Uncle Sam Amuka-Pemu, veteran journalist and publisher, for his long-standing service to Nigerian media.
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Professor Mahmood Yakubu, immediate past INEC Chairman, for his commitment to Nigeria’s democratic process.
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Nigeria’s Super Falcons and D’Tigress basketball teams, for their outstanding achievements in sports and global representation.
Dr. Umobong added that the complete list of honourees would be published shortly.
“The committee has completed its work, and the Council has given its endorsement. The list of successful candidates will be made public soon,” she confirmed.
Understanding Nigeria’s National Honours
Nigeria’s national honours system recognises exceptional service, leadership, and contributions across different sectors — from governance and business to sports and humanitarian work.
There are eight major national honours, in addition to special presidential awards, such as the Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM) and the Federal Republic Medal (FRM).
Below is a summary of the major national honours:
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Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR): The highest national honour, usually reserved for serving and former Presidents, such as Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Goodluck Jonathan.
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Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON): Awarded to Vice Presidents, Senate Presidents, Speakers of the House of Representatives, Chief Justices, and eminent figures such as Aliko Dangote and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
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Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR): Conferred on distinguished public servants, business leaders, and international contributors like Bill Gates.
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Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON): Recognises outstanding contributions in public administration, corporate leadership, and national service.
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Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) and Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON): Celebrates professionals, academics, entertainers, and athletes — including renowned figures such as Mo Abudu and Taiwo Ajai-Lycett.
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Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) and Member of the Order of the Niger (MON): Awarded to grassroots contributors and young achievers like Burna Boy and Teniola Apata.
In addition, special merit awards such as the Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM) honour academic excellence, while the Federal Republic Medal (FRM) recognises military and police bravery.
