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 in Abuja.
“The honour is to signify our appreciation of India as Nigeria’s partner,” Tinubu said. “You represent a very strong commitment in democratic values and norms… I will confer on you today, the Prime Minister of India, Nigeria’s national honour.”
Modi, who arrived in Abuja on Saturday evening, was welcomed at the Presidential Villa with a guard of honour and national anthems of both countries. He then held a closed-door meeting with Tinubu to discuss strengthening bilateral ties.
A statement from the presidency noted that both leaders “will exchange signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to enhance collaboration in critical sectors.”
Modi’s visit, the first by an Indian prime minister since 2007, highlighted the strategic partnership established between the two nations during that year. The meeting is expected to deepen cooperation between Nigeria and India.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
