Nigeria’s National Honours: Who Receives Them and How They’re Chosen

Nigeria’s national honours recognise citizens, and even a few non‑Nigerians, who have made exceptional contributions to the country.

Established in 1963 and backed by the National Honours Act of 1964, these awards are conferred each year by the President at a special ceremony, often around Independence Day.

Here is how the system works and who typically receives each honour.

1. Order of the Federal Republic (Top Tier)

This is the highest group of honours, reserved for the nation’s most senior leaders and outstanding achievers.

• Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR): Given to Presidents and former Heads of State.
  
• Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR): Awarded to vice‑presidents, top ministers and national figures.
  
• Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR): Recognises major contributions in business, science or culture.
  
• Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR): For distinguished service at professional or grassroots levels.

2. Order of the Niger (Second Tier)

The Order of the Niger honours public servants, judges, legislators and other leaders, one rank below the very top.

• Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON): Conferred on Chief Justices, Senate Presidents and other high officials.
  
• Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON): For senior judges, directors and notable public‑service leaders.
  
• Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON): Recognises distinguished civil servants, reformers and professionals.
  
• Member of the Order of the Niger (MON): Often awarded to athletes, artists and emerging talents.

3. Federal Republic Medals (Service‑Based Awards)

These honours celebrate extraordinary public and military service.

• Forces Service Star (FSS) and Grand Service Star (GSS): Top distinctions for military and paramilitary officers.
  
• Distinguished Service Star (DSS) and Meritorious Service Star (MSS): For outstanding leadership and dedication in uniformed services.
  
• Command Medals: Recognising key achievements by military and para‑military personnel.

4. Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM)

Separate from the orders above, the NNOM is the country’s highest academic honour. It is awarded to a very select group of scholars, scientists, engineers, educators and humanists, whose research or teaching has had exceptional national or international impact.

Who Qualifies and How It Works

• Nominations: Federal and state governments, professional bodies and even members of the public can nominate candidates.
  
• Selection: A National Honours Committee reviews nominations and recommends names to the President.
  
• Ceremony: Once approved, the President presents the awards at a formal ceremony, often held on or near Nigeria’s Independence Day (October 1).

What It Means

Being conferred with a national honour is both a personal accolade and a public symbol of service. For political leaders and judges, titles like GCFR or GCON mark the pinnacle of a career. For professionals, creatives, athletes and scholars, awards such as OFR, MON or NNOM recognise excellence that inspires others.