President Bola Tinubu has awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, Nigeria’s second-highest national honor, to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This announcement was made during a bilateral meeting at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja. Tinubu noted that this honor was “to signify our appreciation of India as Nigeria’s partner.”
Modi, who arrived in Abuja on Saturday evening, was officially welcomed at the Villa around 10:20 a.m. on Sunday. The visit began with the Indian anthem, followed by a Guard of Honour, which performed the Nigerian anthem before leading Modi through a parade inspection. A 21-gun salute was conducted, after which Modi reviewed the Guard of Honour. [Credit: Callistus Ewelike/NAN]
Following this, Tinubu and Modi proceeded to a private meeting in the President’s office. They are expected to discuss and formalize various bilateral agreements. According to the Presidency, the visit aims to further solidify ties between Nigeria and India.
“President Tinubu and Prime Minister Modi will aim to deepen Nigeria’s and India’s ties during their bilateral discussions,” the Presidency stated. The two leaders are set to exchange signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to enhance cooperation in key sectors.
This visit marks the first time an Indian Prime Minister has visited Nigeria since Dr. Manmohan Singh’s state visit in 2007, which established a strategic partnership between the two countries.
