President Bola Tinubu has conferred the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on visiting Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.

Tinubu honoured the Indian Prime Minister on Sunday, November 17, during the Nigeria/India bilateral meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The meeting was part of the activities marking the state visit of the Indian Prime Minister.

Tinubu said the invitation extended to the Indian PM was to rekindle existing relationship between Nigeria and India.

“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,” Tinubu said.

“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 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 Niger.

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

In a tweet on Saturday via the official X account of the Nigerian Presidency (@NGRPresident), Tinubu had said, “I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his first visit to Nigeria, which is also the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to our dear country since 2007.

“Our bilateral discussions will seek to expand the strategic partnership between both countries and enhance cooperation in critical sectors.

“Welcome to Nigeria, PM Modi @narendramodi.”