Order of the Niger
| Order of the Niger | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Star and ribbon of the 2 divisions | |
Awarded by  Nigeria | |
| Type | Order |
| Awarded for | Services to the nation. |
| Status | Currently constituted |
| Sovereign | President of Nigeria |
| Grades (w/ post-nominals) | Grand Commander (GCON) Commander (CON) Officer (OON) Member (MON) |
| Established | Instituted: 1964. Redesigned 1976. |
Nigeria became independent on 1 October 1960 and in 1963 Nigeria became the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The republic instituted two orders of merit: the Order of the Niger and the Order of the Federal Republic.
Award
The two highest honours, the Grand Commander in the Order of the Federal Republic and Commander in the Order of the Niger are awarded to the President and Vice-President respectively. The Presiding Judge in the Supreme Court and the Chairman of the Senate are qualitate and ex officio Commander in the Order of the Niger.
Grades
The Nigerians have followed the British example in the form and structure of the Order. There are also post-nominal letters for the members of the Order of the Niger.
- Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON)
- Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON)
- Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON)
- Member of the Order of the Niger (MON)
There is a Civil Division and a Military Division. The ribbon of the latter division has a small red line in the middle.
Source
World Medals Index, Nigeria: Order of the Niger