President Bola Tinubu has bestowed upon Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Nigeria’s second-most prestigious national accolade, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger.
Tinubu made this declaration during a bilateral dialogue with the Indian Prime Minister at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, located in Abuja.
The President articulated that this honour serves “to signify our appreciation of India as Nigeria’s partner.”
Modi, who arrived in Abuja on Saturday evening, was ceremoniously received at the forecourt of the Villa at approximately 10:20 a.m. on Sunday.
Upon his arrival, the Indian Prime Minister was greeted with the Indian national anthem, subsequent to which a Guard of Honour, provided by a Brigade of Guards, performed the Nigerian national anthem and guided the visiting Prime Minister in an inspection of the mounted parade.
This ceremonial reception was succeeded by a 21-gun salute, after which Modi conducted a review of the Guard of Honour.
Tinubu subsequently escorted him to his office for confidential discussions.
Both leaders are anticipated to deliberate upon and formalize a number of bilateral agreements during their private consultations.
According to the official statement from the Presidency, Tinubu and Modi aim to further enhance the diplomatic relations between Nigeria and India during this visit.
“President Tinubu and Prime Minister Modi will aim to deepen Nigeria’s and India’s ties during their bilateral discussions.
“Both leaders will exchange signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to enhance collaboration in critical sectors,” the Presidency said on Saturday.
Modi’s visit is the first by an Indian PM since Dr Manmohan Singh’s state visit in 2007 when the two nations established a strategic partnership.
