President Bola Tinubu has conferred Nigeria’s second-highest national honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The award was announced during a Nigeria/India bilateral meeting at the State House in Abuja on Sunday.
Tinubu expressed Nigeria’s deep appreciation for the longstanding partnership between the two countries, stating,
“Nigeria values its excellent relationship with India. We work to deepen and broaden the same to the mutual benefit of our two friendly countries. You have been doing a good job historically. Winning three consecutive elections in a complex society is a feat that we respect so much.”
The President continued, “I will confer on you today, the Prime Minister of India, Nigeria’s National Honor, the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger. This is to signify Nigerian appreciation and commitment to India as a partner.”
He further emphasized Modi’s significant contribution to strengthening ties between the two nations, adding, “You stood side by side with Nigeria on many fronts for many decades. Yes, democracy is a court of essential yield you’ve navigated through Indian sectors, and also ensure joint collaboration to maintain and strengthen our relationship.”
In response, Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude for the recognition and shared his condolences over the recent floods that devastated parts of Nigeria, including Maiduguri in Borno State.
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He pledged India’s support to Nigeria in the wake of the disaster, promising, “We had a very productive discussion with President Tinubu. We talked about adding momentum to our strategic partnership. There is immense scope for ties to flourish even further in sectors like defence, energy, technology, trade, health, education and more.”
Modi, who arrived in Abuja on Saturday evening, was warmly received on Sunday morning at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa. His arrival was marked by the playing of the Indian national anthem, followed by a Guard of Honour mounted by the Brigade of Guards.
The Nigerian anthem was also played, and the visiting Prime Minister was then led in an inspection of the parade. A 21-gun salute was fired in his honour before he proceeded to meet President Tinubu for a private discussion.
The bilateral meeting between the two leaders, which focused on expanding cooperation, is expected to result in the signing of several key agreements.
According to the Presidency, President Tinubu and Prime Minister Modi will aim to deepen Nigeria-India ties by exchanging signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) that will enhance collaboration in critical sectors.
Modi’s visit to Nigeria marks the first trip by an Indian Prime Minister since Dr. Manmohan Singh’s state visit in 2007. This visit is seen as a significant step towards solidifying the strategic partnership established between the two nations more than a decade ago.
