PM Honored with “Grand Commander of the Order of Niger”

In a landmark event, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was conferred the prestigious national award, “Grand Commander of the Order of Niger”, by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E. Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at the State House. This honor celebrates Prime Minister Modi’s visionary leadership, transformative governance, and significant contributions to fostering stronger India-Nigeria ties and the aspirations of the Global South.

Key Highlights of the Visit

Award Ceremony

• PM Modi became the second foreign leader after Queen Elizabeth (1969) to receive this honor.
• This marks Modi’s 17th international honor for his contributions to global leadership.
• In his remarks, PM Modi dedicated the award to the people of India and the enduring friendship between India and Nigeria.

Context and Importance

Global Leadership

• This honor reflects PM Modi’s international stature and India’s growing influence on the global stage.
• It underscores India’s role in promoting peace, unity, and development worldwide.

Significance of the Award

• Recognizes PM Modi’s statesmanship and visionary leadership.
• Acknowledges his efforts in positioning India as a global powerhouse.
• Celebrates the enhancement of India-Nigeria Strategic Partnership under his leadership.
• Highlights his role in fostering unity, peace, and shared prosperity globally.

Strategic Discussions

Focus Areas

• Defense, energy, trade, technology, health, education, and cultural ties.
• Tackling common challenges like terrorism, separatism, piracy, and drug trafficking.

Key Agreements

Three MoUs signed,

• Cultural Exchange Programme.
• Customs Cooperation.
• Survey Cooperation.
• India announced 20 tonnes of relief supplies for Nigerian flood victims.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations

Development Cooperation

• India has provided $100 million in concessional loans.
• Capacity-building programs and professional training are key areas of collaboration.

Economic Engagement

• Over 200 Indian companies have invested approximately $27 billion in Nigeria.
• Indian businesses are the second-largest employers in Nigeria after the federal government.

Indian Diaspora

• The 60,000-strong Indian community in Nigeria was acknowledged as a key pillar of bilateral relations.

Significance of Nigeria in Global Partnerships

• Nigeria’s key role in Africa was highlighted during the discussions.
• Modi emphasized India’s support for the African Union’s inclusion in G20, underscoring Nigeria’s leadership in the region.

Symbolic Gestures

• Modi received the “Key to the City of Abuja”, symbolizing trust and honor.
• The Nigerian President appreciated India’s development cooperation efforts.

Security Collaboration

• In-depth discussions held on terrorism, extremism, radicalization, and cross-border crimes, building on the recent India-Nigeria Strategic and Counter-Terrorism Dialogue.

Broader Context of Modi’s Visit

• First visit by an Indian PM to Nigeria in 17 years.
• Forms part of his three-nation tour, with subsequent stops in Brazil (for the G20 Summit) and Guyana.