Abuja, Nigeria — Nigeria is set to honor Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the esteemed “Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger” (GCON) award during his official visit. This makes Modi only the second foreign leader to receive this prestigious recognition, following the late Queen Elizabeth II, who was honored in 1969. This recognition adds to Modi’s impressive list of international awards, marking the 17th such honor from a foreign nation.
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Abuja, Nigeria, on November 17, 2024, as part of his three-nation diplomatic tour that will also include visits to Brazil and Guyana. The visit is focused on enhancing India-Nigeria relations, which have deepened significantly over the past years.
**Warm Welcome in Abuja**
Upon his arrival in the Nigerian capital, PM Modi was warmly greeted by Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, the Minister for the Federal Capital Territory. In a special gesture, the Minister presented Modi with the ‘Key to the City’ of Abuja, symbolizing the strong ties between the two nations.
In a statement released upon his arrival, Modi said: “At the invitation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this visit to Nigeria is an opportunity to build on our Strategic Partnership, rooted in our shared values of democracy and pluralism. I look forward to engaging with the Indian community and our Nigerian friends who have welcomed me so warmly.”
**Strengthening Bilateral Ties**
This visit marks the first time in 17 years that an Indian Prime Minister has traveled to Nigeria, highlighting the growing importance of India-Nigeria relations. The partnership has expanded across various sectors, including economic investments, defense cooperation, and energy security. Indian companies have invested over $27 billion in Nigeria, making India one of the West African nation’s most significant economic partners.
India and Nigeria have shared strong diplomatic ties since 2007, focusing on mutual interests in areas like trade, energy, and education. The countries have also collaborated on health initiatives, with India playing a crucial role in Nigeria’s fight against diseases through the supply of affordable medicines and vaccines.
**Looking Ahead**
PM Modi’s visit to Nigeria comes at a time when both countries are looking to expand their cooperation further, especially in the fields of technology, infrastructure, and defense. The award ceremony in Abuja not only symbolizes a strengthening of bilateral ties but also underscores India’s growing influence in West Africa.
As Modi continues his diplomatic tour, his next stops will be in Brazil for the BRICS Summit and Guyana for the India-CARICOM Summit, where further international cooperation and partnerships will be discussed.
