President Bola Tinubu has approved the commencement of the 2024 National Honours Award, aimed at recognising Nigerians and international allies who have made significant contributions to the country’s development.
This was announced by the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Zaphaniah Jisalo, during a meeting with senior ministry staff in Abuja on Tuesday.
Jisalo explained that the 2024 awards will celebrate Nigerians who have excelled in various fields. He emphasized that the nomination and selection process will be transparent, and no fees will be charged at any stage.
“The forms and processes leading to the award of national honours are free of charge. People should not pay for national honours,” the statement read, urging Nigerians to disregard any requests for payment and warning against fraudulent schemes.
The minister also stated that the public will soon be invited to submit nominations for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the nation’s progress, in line with the National Honours Award Act of 2004.
This Act, which took retrospective effect in 1963, outlines the criteria for granting these prestigious awards.