President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), Nigeria's second-highest national honor, on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The announcement was made during a bilateral meeting between the two leaders at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja.
President Tinubu described the honor as a gesture of appreciation for India’s role as a key partner to Nigeria. He highlighted the robust bilateral relations between the two nations and emphasized the commitment to strengthening this partnership for mutual benefit.
“Nigeria values its excellent relationship with India, and we work to deepen and broaden the same to the mutual benefit of our two friendly countries," Tinubu stated. "You represent a very strong commitment to democratic values and norms. You have been doing a remarkable job historically, winning three consecutive elections in a complex society. That is a feat that we respect so much. I will confer on you today, the Prime Minister of India, Nigeria’s national honor, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger. This signifies Nigerian appreciation and commitment to India as a partner.”
This marks only the second time Nigeria has bestowed the GCON on a foreign national, the first being Queen Elizabeth II in 1969.
Prime Minister Modi, who arrived in Abuja on Saturday evening, was officially received at the presidential villa’s forecourt at 10:20 am on Sunday. His arrival was marked by the rendition of the Indian national anthem, followed by the Nigerian anthem performed by a guard of honor from the brigade of guards. Modi inspected the parade before being escorted by President Tinubu for private discussions in the President’s office.
The visit includes delegation-level talks and the signing of bilateral agreements aimed at strengthening ties between Nigeria and India. According to the presidency, the discussions are expected to enhance collaboration in critical sectors, with both leaders exchanging signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs).
The visit is particularly significant as it is the first by an Indian Prime Minister since Manmohan Singh's state visit in 2007. It underscores the deepening of relations between Africa’s largest economy and one of Asia’s leading nations.
Prime Minister Modi's visit is seen as an opportunity to foster stronger diplomatic and economic ties, building on the historic relationship between the two countries.
