President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), Nigeria’s second-highest national honour, on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The accolade was awarded as a gesture of appreciation for India’s enduring partnership with Nigeria. The announcement came during a high-profile bilateral meeting between the two leaders at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja.
President Tinubu emphasized the importance of recognizing India’s role as a vital partner in Nigeria’s development and diplomacy, describing the honour as “a symbol of our gratitude and respect for India’s contributions to Nigeria’s growth.”
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Abuja on Saturday evening, and the official reception ceremony took place on Sunday morning at the Villa’s forecourt.
The Indian leader was greeted with a ceremonial Guard of Honour, a 21-gun salute, and the playing of both nations’ anthems. The Brigade of Guards presented a well executed parade, which Modi reviewed before being escorted into the Presidential Villa for a closed-door meeting with Tinubu.
During their discussions, President Tinubu and Prime Minister Modi explored avenues to strengthen the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and India. Both leaders expressed their commitment to fostering deeper ties in critical areas of mutual interest. The meeting is expected to yield several agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to enhance collaboration in sectors such as trade, investment, technology, and education.
“Prime Minister Modi’s visit marks a significant milestone in Nigeria-India relations,” the Presidency stated in an official release. “Both leaders are determined to leverage this opportunity to expand their nations’ strategic partnership and address common challenges.”
Modi’s visit is a historic one, being the first by an Indian Prime Minister since Dr. Manmohan Singh’s state visit in 2007.
