President Bola 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 announcement was made during a bilateral meeting held at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja.
President Tinubu emphasized that the award symbolizes Nigeria’s gratitude for India’s partnership. “To signify our appreciation of India as Nigeria’s partner,” the President noted.
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Abuja on Saturday evening and was officially welcomed at the forecourt of the Villa on Sunday morning around 10:20 a.m. The ceremonial reception included the playing of the Indian national anthem, a Guard of Honour inspection, a 21-gun salute, and the Nigerian national anthem performed by the Brigade of Guards.
After the formalities, President Tinubu and Prime Minister Modi proceeded to hold a closed-door meeting. The two leaders are expected to discuss and sign several bilateral agreements aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations.
A statement from the Presidency highlighted the objectives 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.”
This visit marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria since Dr. Manmohan Singh’s state visit in 2007, during which a strategic partnership between the two countries was formalized.
More details to follow….