Tinubu confers Nigeria’s Second Highest National Honour on India’s Prime Minister

President Bola Tinubu has conferred the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON) on India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, in Abuja.

The Indian PM arrived in Abuja Saturday evening for the bilateral agreement that Mr Tinubu said will enhance “mutual respects and a shared mission.”

The president announced this during the ongoing Nigeria-India bilateral relationship discussion at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

“The honour is to signify our appreciation of India as Nigeria’s partner,” Tinubu said.

“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. That 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 the Niger.

“This to signify Nigerian appreciation and commitment to India as a partner.”

The GCON is the second-highest national honour in Nigeria, second only to the GCFR which is mostly reserved for Nigeria’s presidents.

Mr Modi arrived in Abuja Saturday evening for the bilateral agreement that Mr Tinubu said will enhance “mutual respects and a shared mission.”

The Indian prime minister’s visit to Nigeria is the first in almost two decades.

On Sunday morning, the president formally welcomed Mr Modi to Aso Rock.

The Indian National Anthem was played to honour him, followed by an honour parade by the Brigade of Guards.

Subsequently, the Nigerian National Anthem was sung and the visiting prime minister inspected the parade afterwards