Generally, the department is responsible for the following:
- To assist the President in the discharge of his responsibilities as provided in the National Honours Act No. 5 of 1963, now CAP. No 43 of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, which empowers the President to establish by warrant the National Order of Dignity to honour deserving citizens who have contributed to the development and progress of the country and to any human field of endeavour;
- To improve and enhance the process of Award of Decorations and Medals of National Honours Awards to deserving Nigerians and Friends of Nigeria;
- To assist the President in the discharge of his responsibility with regard to granting of pardon to deserving prisoners and ex- convicts as provided for under section 175 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended;
- Prison decongestion
- The Department serves as the Secretariat of two Presidential Committees: the National Honours Award Committee (NHAC) and the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy (PACPM); and
- Any other function assigned.
