Legislative Journey
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First Reading5 Jul 2023
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Second Reading24 Oct 2024
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Committee Report3 Dec 2025inter-Governmental Affairs
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Third Reading3 Dec 2025
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Current StatusPassed
Summary & Analysis
The legislation is primarily designed to address perceived deficiencies in the existing awards system, promoting greater integrity, transparency, and meritocracy.
Establishment of a Single Commission: The Bill proposes the creation of the Nigerian National Honours and Merit Award Commission (Section 1), which will merge the functions of the respective governing boards under the repealed Acts. This move aims to reduce the cost of governance and streamline the process.
Merit-Based Recognition: A core objective is to ensure that National Honours are conferred strictly on a merit-based principle, acknowledging individuals who have made immense and genuine contributions to national development.
New Governing Board: The Commission will be overseen by a Governing Board (Section 2) with a membership structure designed to reflect the federal character of the country.
Divestment Clause: A crucial new provision is contained in Section 7, subsection 3, which explicitly allows for a person to lose or be divested of an honour or award previously conferred upon them if they fall under the disqualified categories outlined in the proposed law. This mechanism addresses concerns about individuals of questionable character retaining national awards.
Consolidated Regulation: The Commission will regulate all matters related to both the National Honours (recognizing contributions in various fields and public service) and the National Merit Awards (recognizing academic and intellectual achievements in science, technology, humanities, etc.).
Establishment of a Single Commission: The Bill proposes the creation of the Nigerian National Honours and Merit Award Commission (Section 1), which will merge the functions of the respective governing boards under the repealed Acts. This move aims to reduce the cost of governance and streamline the process.
Merit-Based Recognition: A core objective is to ensure that National Honours are conferred strictly on a merit-based principle, acknowledging individuals who have made immense and genuine contributions to national development.
New Governing Board: The Commission will be overseen by a Governing Board (Section 2) with a membership structure designed to reflect the federal character of the country.
Divestment Clause: A crucial new provision is contained in Section 7, subsection 3, which explicitly allows for a person to lose or be divested of an honour or award previously conferred upon them if they fall under the disqualified categories outlined in the proposed law. This mechanism addresses concerns about individuals of questionable character retaining national awards.
Consolidated Regulation: The Commission will regulate all matters related to both the National Honours (recognizing contributions in various fields and public service) and the National Merit Awards (recognizing academic and intellectual achievements in science, technology, humanities, etc.).