In a significant diplomatic gesture, President Bola Ahmed 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 announcement was made during a bilateral meeting at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja on Sunday. Speaking at the event, Tinubu emphasized the importance of the relationship between the two nations.
“This honour is to signify our appreciation of India as Nigeria’s strategic partner,” Tinubu stated during the ceremony.
Prime Minister Modi, who arrived in Abuja on Saturday evening, was given a warm reception at the Villa’s forecourt on Sunday morning. The welcome ceremony included a rendition of the Indian national anthem, a 21-gun salute, and an inspection of a Guard of Honour mounted by Nigeria’s Brigade of Guards.
After the formalities, Tinubu led Modi into a closed-door meeting aimed at deepening Nigeria-India relations. According to a statement by the Presidency, the discussions focused on enhancing collaboration in critical sectors through the signing of bilateral agreements.
“Both leaders will exchange signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to bolster cooperation in areas of mutual interest,” the statement read.
This visit marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria since Dr. Manmohan Singh’s state visit in 2007, during which the two nations established a strategic partnership. Modi’s arrival signals a renewed focus on strengthening ties between the two countries, particularly in trade, technology, and security.
Further details of the agreements reached during the meeting are expected to be announced soon.
