President Bola Tinubu has awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) to the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi during a bilateral meeting at the State House in Abuja on Sunday.
The award, one of Nigeria’s highest national honours, was presented to Prime Minister Modi in recognition of his leadership and a bid to strengthen ties between the two nations.
Speaking at the event, President Tinubu highlighted the importance of the relationship between Nigeria and India, describing it as a partnership to be deepened and reclassified for mutual benefits.
“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.
“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 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 Niger. This to signify Nigerian appreciation and commitment to India as a partner,” Tinubu added.
In response, the Indian Prime Minister expressed his condolences over the recent floods that ravaged several parts of Nigeria, including Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
He pledged 20 tons of relief materials to support the Nigerian government’s humanitarian efforts.
This gesture, Modi said, underscores India’s solidarity with Nigeria under the Tinubu-led administration.
