President Bola Tinubu bestowed Nigeria’s second highest national honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, GCON, on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Tinubu made the declaration during a bilateral meeting with the Indian leader at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The President noted that the accolade was given “to demonstrate our appreciation for India as Nigeria’s partner.”
Modi arrived in Abuja on Saturday evening and was greeted at the Villa forecourt around 10:20 a.m. on Sunday.
He was greeted with the Indian anthem, followed by a Guard of Honour led by a Brigade of Guards, who rendered the Nigerian anthem and led the visiting PM in an inspection of the mounted parade.
This was followed by a 21-gun salute, after which Modi inspected the Guard of Honour. Tinubu then led him into his office.
Both leaders are scheduled to discuss and sign a number of bilateral agreements during their private meeting.
According to the Presidency, Tinubu and Modi would use their visit to enhance Nigeria-India ties even further.
“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 Prime Minister since Dr. Manmohan Singh’s state visit in 2007, when the two countries formed a strategic alliance.
