All You Need To Know About Nigerian National Honours

The Nigerian National Honours are a collection of awards given each year to deserving Nigerians and foreign friends of the country. The ancient chieftaincy system of the country is distinct from and legally defined apart from these honours. When a citizen of a country receives a national honour, that person has received the highest possible award for service to that country. To recognise and reward Nigerians who have contributed to the betterment of their country, the National Honors Act No. 5 of 1964 was passed during the First Nigerian Republic.

To have performed an act of service to one’s country means to have brought honour to that country through an exceptionally meritorious or heroic effort. A citizen may be awarded national honour for various reasons, including but not limited to:

  • The invention of a useful tool.
  • Outstanding service in a high-profile position.
  • The production of a groundbreaking work of literature.

Often, opinions will differ on deserving recipients of prestigious awards. Occasionally, the honoree may decide that he or she does not deserve the recognition. After being honoured by the Nigerian government in 2004, renowned Nigerian author Chinua Achebe turned down the honour because he was unhappy with the country’s leadership. It is up to the government of Nigeria to bestow awards on deserving citizens.

Former Nigerian presidents, vice presidents, and military chiefs of staff are among those who are traditionally awarded the GCFR and GCON. During their first year in office, the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the President of the Nigerian Senate are also granted the GCON; other Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria are given the CON. On November 14, 2011, Alh. Aliko Dangote was presented with the award of GCON in Nigeria, making him the first recipient of the honour who did not hold a political office. There have been 4,700 recipients of the National award since its inception in 1963.

National Honours

  • Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR)
  • Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR)
  • Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR)
  • Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR)
  • Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON)
  • Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON)
  • Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON)
  • Member of the Order of the Niger (MON)

National Medals

  • Forces Service Star (FSS)
  • Grand Service Star (GSS)
  • Distinguished Service Star (DSS)
  • Meritorious Service Star (MSS)
  • Command Medal of Honour (CMH)
  • Command Medal (CM)
You May Also Like

All You Need To Know About The Six Geopolitical Zones in Nigeria

Nigeria, officially known as the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is split into six geopolitical zones. During the presidency of General Sani Abacha, the country was divided into what are essentially state federations for administrative purposes. Throughout Nigeria, the various zones frequently pool their respective economic, political, and educational resources.
Read More

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s 2023 Inaugural Speech

Nobody anticipated how the ENDSARS protests, which started peacefully, would descend into the most destructive wave of violence Lagos has seen in almost 30 years. We lost tens of billions of Naira worth of public and private property 7. There were other disasters that our dear State and its residents had to confront, in these last four years. A spate of building collapses that claimed lives, and a massive gas explosion in Abule-Ado, among others.
Read More

Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah’s 2023 Inaugural Speech

Let me also thank all those who contributed to the success of this governorship struggle. It began as a tiny conception, as small as the mustard seed. Today, it has acquired a life of its own. Time constrains me from naming all of you, one by one, who contributed to the maturation of this idea. However, let me be quick to put on record the invaluable contributions of the immediate past governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyichukwu Ugwuanyi, Gburugburu The Great, to what we are celebrating today. Posterity will certainly be kind to you for your deep sense of patriotism. To you all, I remain forever grateful.
Read More

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu’s 2023 Inaugural Speech

The peaceful transition from one government to another is now our political tradition. This handover symbolizes our trust in God, our enduring faith in representative governance and our belief in our ability to reshape this nation into the society it was always meant to be. Here, permit me to say a few words to my predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari. Mr President, you have been an honest, patriotic leader who has done his best for the nation you love. On a more personal note, you are a worthy partner and friend. May History be kind to you.
Read More