President Bola Tinubu has bestowed Nigeria’s second-highest national honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Tinubu made the declaration during a bilateral discussion with the Indian leader at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja. The President said the honour ” signifies our appreciation of India as Nigeria’s partner.”
Modi arrived in Abuja on Saturday evening and was welcomed at the Villa’s forecourt at approximately 10:20 a.m. on Sunday.
Upon his arrival, the Indian national anthem was played, followed by a Guard of Honour provided by a Brigade of Guards, during which the Nigerian anthem was performed. The visiting Prime Minister then inspected the mounted parade.
This was succeeded by a 21-gun salute, after which Modi reviewed the Guard of Honour. The leaders are anticipated to discuss and formalize several bilateral agreements during their closed-door meeting.
As stated by the Presidency, Tinubu and Modi will further strive to strengthen the Nigeria-India relationship during this visit.
“President Tinubu and Prime Minister Modi will focus on enhancing the connections between Nigeria and India during their discussions.
“Both leaders will exchange signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to boost collaboration in vital sectors,” the Presidency announced on Saturday.
Modi’s visit marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister since Dr Manmohan Singh’s state visit in 2007, when the two countries established a strategic partnership.
