Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honoured with Nigeria’s prestigious national award, the ‘Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON)’. This recognition marks him as only the second foreign dignitary to receive this award, following Queen Elizabeth who was awarded in 1969. This award is the 17th international honour bestowed upon PM Modi by a foreign country, highlighting his contributions to strengthening India-Nigeria relations and his role on the global stage.
PM Modi dedicated this honor to the 140 crore people of India and the longstanding friendship between India and Nigeria, expressing gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian populace for this recognition. The award ceremony took place during his visit to Nigeria, which was the first leg of his three-nation tour, also including Brazil and Guyana. This visit was significant as it was the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria in 17 years, aimed at deepening the strategic partnership between the two countries.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is on a two day visit to Nigeria. PM met President of Nigeria. The two presidents reviewed their continuing bilateral cooperation and discussed strategies to expand the India-Nigeria Strategic Partnership. Leaders agreed that there was enormous opportunity for collaboration in commerce, investment, education, energy, health, culture, and people-to-people ties. The Prime Minister shared India’s expertise in agriculture, transportation, affordable medicine, renewable energy, and digital transformation with Nigeria.
Nigeria President H.E. Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu praised India’s development cooperation partnership and its significant impact on building local capacity, skills, and professional expertise. The two presidents also talked about increasing defence and security cooperation. They underlined their mutual commitment for combating terrorism, piracy, and radicalisation.
Leaders of both the Countries also spoke about global and regional challenges. President Tinubu appreciated India’s efforts to raise the issues of developing nations through the Voice of the Global South Summits and leaders agreed to collaborate to help the Global South achieve its development goals. The Prime Minister praised Nigeria’s position as ECOWAS Chair. In reference to Nigeria’s membership in the International Solar Alliance and the International Big Cat Alliance, the Prime Minister extended invitation to President Tinubu to join additional pro-planet green initiatives undertaken by India.
MoU on Cultural Exchange program was signed. Customs Cooperation and Survey Cooperation were other areas on which MoU was signed.
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