By Nkechi Eze
The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), OFR, has been conferred with an Honorary Fellowship by the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), in a recognition described as both rare and historic.
In an official signed statement, Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations, Mrs Enderline Chukwu, disclosed that the prestigious honour was bestowed on the Defence Minister during a ceremony held on May 4, 2026, at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters, Ship House, Abuja.
The statement noted that the award was in recognition of General Musa’s outstanding leadership, dedicated service, and significant contributions to national security in his capacity as Minister of Defence.
According to the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, the conferment, initially scheduled for December 2025, was rescheduled due to pressing service exigencies to ensure timely recognition of the Minister’s exceptional performance.
The institution further highlighted the exclusivity of the honour, noting that it marks only the second time in its history that such a distinguished fellowship has been awarded, underscoring the exceptional nature of the recognition.
The Ministry of Defence described the award as a reflection of General Musa’s unwavering commitment, professionalism, and the collective efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and advancing national development.
The Ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with professional bodies such as the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, acknowledging their critical role in national growth and development.
The Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, one of the country’s oldest professional bodies, traces its origin to 1934 when it was established as the Licensed Surveyors Association under the leadership of nationalist, Herbert Heelas Macaulay. It later evolved into the Land Surveyors Association of Nigeria in 1960 before adopting its current name.
