President Bola Tinubu has approved national honors for 959 Nigerians and foreigners in recognition of their service to humanity.
He also endorsed key reforms to strengthen the Nigeria Police Trust Fund and enhance its operations.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved national honors for 959 Nigerians and foreign nationals following meetings of the National Council of State and the Police Council held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Dr. Emanso Umobong, Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Affairs Office, said the President ratified the recommendations of the National Honors Award Committee for 2024 and 2025, alongside special recognitions previously granted earlier in the year.
From over 5,000 nominations reviewed, 824 individuals were selected for the 2024/2025 National Honors, while 135 others received special presidential awards, bringing the total number of recipients to 959.
Umobong explained that the honors acknowledge individuals both Nigerians and non-citizens who have made outstanding contributions to national progress and the service of humanity.
Past recipients include philanthropist Bill Gates for his global health initiatives, veteran journalist Uncle Sam Pemu for excellence in media, the Super Falcons and D’Tigress for their achievements in sports, and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu for his role in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
The federal government also bestowed posthumous awards on the late Ogoni Nine and Ogoni Four in recognition of their environmental advocacy and sacrifices for social justice.
At the Police Council meeting that followed, President Tinubu approved significant reforms to the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF). The Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Geidam, announced that the Council endorsed the repeal and re-enactment of the 2019 Police Trust Fund Act, removing its initial six-year lifespan and granting it permanent status.
Additionally, the fund’s statutory allocation was raised from 0.5 per cent to 1 per cent of the Federation Account to enhance police welfare, training, and technological capacity.
Geidam further disclosed that the Attorney-General of the Federation has been directed to draft an executive bill capturing these amendments for presentation to the National Assembly.
