In 1991, he was appointed chairman of the State defense committee, and in 1992-Minister of Defense of Kazakhstan. In 1994, he was awarded the" Golden Star "and awarded the title" Halyk Kaharmany". In his pen there are memorable books "face to the fire", "my last cry" and others. Today, his name is given to the streets of cities of Kazakhstan and military educational institutions, monuments, memorial plaques have been erected in honor of the hero, and museums have been opened. The bust of sagadat Kozhakhmetovich is exhibited in the Central Museum of the Great Patriotic War in Moscow. About him "Kazakhfilm" named after sh.Aimanov "Sagadat Nurmagambetov. The last interview". The film won the award for best portrait essay at the XII International Film Festival of documentaries and television programs in Sevastopol in 2016.