NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Nigeria‘s second-highest national award – the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, making him the second foreign dignitary to receive the distinction.
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu honoured PM Modi with the sash and was seen wearing a badge on his black Nehru jacket. He is the second leader, after Queen Elizabeth, to receive the award.
After receiving the award, PM Modi thanked the government and the people of Nigeria for the honour and said, “Honoured to be conferred with the ‘Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger’ Award by Nigeria. I accept it with great humility and dedicate it to the 140 crore people of India and the friendship of India and Nigeria.”
Modi said the relations between India and Nigeria are based on mutual cooperation, goodwill and respect.
“As two vibrant democracies with dynamic economies, we have been working together for the well-being of the people of both countries,” he said
He said that new possibilities have been identified in the economy, energy, agriculture, security, fintech, small and medium-scale enterprise and cultural sectors.
“This award will continue to inspire us to take the strategic partnership between India and Nigeria to new heights. The relationship between India and Nigeria is based on cooperation, goodwill and mutual respect, and as two vibrant democracies and dynamic economies, we have continued to work for the people,” the prime minister said in Abuja.
PM Modi said Nigeria has a very big and positive role in Africa and close cooperation with Africa has been a high priority for India, PTIN reported.
“India and Nigeria will move forward together for the prosperity of the people of both countries and the entire African continent. We will give importance to the interests and priorities of the Global South, working in close coordination,” he said.
PM Modi is in Nigeria on the first leg of his three-nation visit at the invitation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This visit is the first by an Indian prime minister to Nigeria in 17 years.