President Bola Tinubu on Sunday conferred the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, GCON, on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a bilateral meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Prime Minister Modi, who arrived in Abuja on Saturday evening, was received at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa at about 10:20 a.m.
He was welcomed with the Indian national anthem, followed by the Nigerian anthem, before inspecting a guard of honour mounted by the brigade of guards.
Speaking during the meeting, President Tinubu highlighted the significance of the award to Nigeria-India relations.
“The honour is to signify our appreciation of India as Nigeria’s partner,” he said. “Nigeria values its excellent relationship with India, and we work to deepen and broaden the same to the mutual benefit of our two friendly countries.”
He continued, “You represent a very strong commitment in democratic values and norms, you have been doing a good job historically, winning three consecutive elections in a complex society. That is a feat that we respect so much. I will confer on you today, the Prime Minister of India, Nigeria’s national honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger.”
The two leaders held closed-door talks aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. The presidency, in a statement, disclosed that Tinubu and Modi would exchange signed Memoranda of Understanding to enhance collaboration in critical sectors.
The visit also features delegation-level talks and discussions to solidify cooperation.
This is the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Nigeria since Dr Manmohan Singh’s state visit in 2007, which established a strategic partnership between both countries.
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