Indian PM Modi Receives Nigeria’s Elite Honour in Landmark Visit
In first India-Nigeria summit in 17 years, Tinubu awards prestigious GCON to strengthen strategic partnership
In a powerful diplomatic gesture, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu bestowed the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) – Nigeria’s second-highest national honour – upon Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a historic state visit to Abuja on Sunday.
The ceremonial welcome at the Presidential Villa featured full military honours, with the Brigade of Guards mounting a Guard of Honour while both nations’ anthems played. Modi, who became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Africa’s largest economy since 2007, inspected the parade alongside President Tinubu.
The high-profile meeting saw both leaders engaging in bilateral discussions aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations. The visit’s agenda includes the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to enhance collaboration across key sectors, marking a new chapter in India-Nigeria relations.
Modi’s visit, which comes 17 years after former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s trip to Nigeria, highlights the growing strategic bond between the two countries.
