Abuja — 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 during a state visit to the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The announcement came during a bilateral meeting between the two leaders on Sunday. President Tinubu described the gesture as a symbol of Nigeria’s appreciation for India’s enduring partnership and contributions to mutual development.
Prime Minister Modi, who arrived in Abuja on Saturday evening, was formally received at the State House Forecourt at around 10:20 a.m. Sunday. The ceremonial reception included the playing of the Indian national anthem, followed by the Nigerian anthem. The Brigade of Guards provided a Guard of Honour, which the visiting leader inspected after a 21-gun salute.
Following the ceremonial welcome, Tinubu escorted Modi into his office for a private meeting. According to the Presidency, the two leaders are set to discuss and finalize multiple bilateral agreements aimed at strengthening Nigeria-India relations in critical sectors such as trade, technology, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
In a statement released earlier, the Presidency emphasized the significance of the visit. “President Tinubu and Prime Minister Modi will aim to deepen Nigeria’s and India’s ties during their bilateral discussions. Both leaders will exchange signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to enhance collaboration in critical sectors,” it read.
This visit marks the first by an Indian prime minister since Dr. Manmohan Singh’s state visit in 2007, during which Nigeria and India established a strategic partnership. Modi’s presence highlights the importance of bilateral ties between the two nations, which are poised for further growth.
Further details on the agreements and outcomes of the visit are expected to be released in the coming hours.
