Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on Sunday in Abuja conferred the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
President Tinubu, who conferred the honour during the bilateral meeting between the leaders in Aso Rock, Abuja, said: “The honour is to signify our appreciation of India as Nigeria’s partner.”
According to local media reports, the Indian Prime Minister arrived in Abuja on Saturday evening and was received at the forecourt of the Villa at around 10:20 a.m. on Sunday.
The Indian leader was welcomed with the Indian anthem, after which a Guard of Honour, mounted by a Brigade of Guards, rendered the Nigerian anthem and led the visiting Indian Leader in an inspection of the mounted parade.
This was followed by a 21-gun salute, after which Modi inspected the Guard of Honour before President Tinubu led him into his office for a closed-door meeting. The two leaders are expected to discuss and sign several bilateral agreements during their private meeting, which according to the Presidency, is aimed at strengthening Nigeria-India ties.
“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 PM since Dr Manmohan Singh’s state visit in 2007 when the two nations established a strategic partnership.
President Tinubu received Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Sunday.
This visit is the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria in 17 years, following Dr. Manmohan Singh’s visit in 2007.
GIK/APA