Nigeria to honor PM Modi with rare GCON award received by Queen Elizabeth in 1969

Nigeria is set to honor Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the esteemed Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) award, making him the second foreign dignitary to receive this distinction, after Queen Elizabeth in 1969. This marks the 17th international award conferred upon PM Modi by a foreign country.

This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria in 17 years.

The announcement was made as PM Modi arrived on Nov 17 in Nigeria for the first leg of his three-nation tour, which will also take him to Brazil and Guyana. Modi’s visit is aimed at strengthening the strategic ties between India and Nigeria, a partnership that has grown significantly in recent years.

Upon his arrival in Abuja, Modi was warmly welcomed by Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, Nigerian Minister for Federal Capital Territory, who presented him with the 'Key to the City' of Abuja.

Growing India-Nigeria ties

PM Modi issued a statement indicating his first stop in Nigeria, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's invitation, aimed at strengthening strategic ties between both countries.

"At the invitation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this will be my first visit to Nigeria, which is our close partner in the West African region. My visit will be an opportunity to build upon our Strategic Partnership that is based on shared belief in democracy and pluralism. I am also eagerly looking forward to meeting the Indian community and friends from Nigeria who have sent me warm welcome messages in Hindi," the statement said. India and Nigeria enjoy warm, friendly, and deep-rooted bilateral relations.

India and Nigeria have enjoyed warm and friendly bilateral relations since 2007, with growing economic, energy, and defense collaboration. Over 200 Indian companies have invested over $27 billion in key sectors in Nigeria, solidifying India's position as a development partner.