Defence Minister Conferred with Prestigious Fellowship as NIS Sets Historic Milestone

The Ministry of Defence has welcomed the conferment of an Honorary Fellowship on the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd) OFR by the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors. The Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Enderline Chukwu, disclosed this in a statement issued from the Ministry’s headquarters.

Enderline Chukwu explained that the prestigious award was bestowed on the Honourable Minister at a ceremony held on May 4, 2026, at the Ministry’s headquarters, Ship House, Abuja. The award is in recognition of his outstanding leadership, dedicated service, and significant contributions to national security in his capacity as Minister of Defence.

According to the institute, the ceremony was originally scheduled for December 2025 but was brought forward due to pressing service exigencies and to ensure timely recognition of the Honourable Minister’s exceptional record of performance. Enderline Chukwu noted that this marks the second time in the history of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors that such a distinguished honour has been awarded, highlighting 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 further reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with professional bodies such as the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, acknowledging their vital role in national growth and development.

Enderline Chukwu also provided historical context, noting that the Nigeria Institution of Surveyors is one of Nigeria’s oldest organised professional bodies, tracing its origins to 1934 when it was established as the Licensed Surveyors Association under the leadership of the late nationalist, Herbert Heelas Macaulay. In 1960, the association evolved into the Land Surveyors Association of Nigeria before becoming what is today known as the Nigeria Institution of Surveyors.