President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national honours on 959 individuals, recognising both Nigerians and foreign nationals who have made remarkable contributions to the nation and humanity.
The announcement came during the meeting of the National Council of State and the Police Council held at the State House in Abuja. According to Dr. Emanso Umobong, Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Affairs Office, the President approved the report of the National Honours Award Committee for 2024 and 2025, alongside special awards conferred earlier in the year.
From over 5,000 nominations screened, 824 were selected for the 2024/2025 National Honours, while 135 others received special presidential awards. Among previous honourees were Bill Gates for public health impact, Uncle Sam Pemu for journalism, the Super Falcons and D’Tigress for sporting excellence, and INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, for his role in sustaining democracy.
The government also posthumously recognised the late Ogoni Nine and Ogoni Four for their courage and environmental activism. Following the honours ceremony, President Tinubu chaired a Police Council meeting where key reforms were approved — including the repeal and re-enactment of the 2019 Police Trust Fund Act, now established as a permanent agency.
Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Geidam, confirmed that the fund’s allocation from the Federation Account has been raised from 0.5% to 1% to improve welfare, training, and technology acquisition for the police. He added that the Attorney-General has been directed to prepare an executive bill for submission to the National Assembly.
