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 bilateral meeting at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Tinubu stated that the honour symbolizes Nigeria’s appreciation of India as a key partner.
Modi, who arrived in Abuja on Saturday evening, was officially welcomed on Sunday morning at the Villa forecourt. His arrival ceremony featured the Indian national anthem, followed by the Nigerian anthem and a Guard of Honour inspection led by the Brigade of Guards. The ceremony concluded with a 21-gun salute.
After the formalities, President Tinubu escorted the Indian leader to his office for closed-door talks. Both leaders are expected to sign multiple bilateral agreements aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations.
“The discussions will focus on enhancing collaboration in critical sectors, with signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) marking a new phase in Nigeria-India relations,” the Presidency stated.
This visit marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria since Dr. Manmohan Singh’s state visit in 2007, when both countries established a strategic partnership.
