Nigeria to Award PM Modi Rare Honor Previously Given Only to Queen Elizabeth

Nigeria will honor Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the prestigious Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), making him only the second foreign dignitary to receive this rare distinction, after Queen Elizabeth II, who was awarded the honor in 1969. This award marks the 17th international recognition bestowed upon PM Modi by a foreign nation.

The announcement was made as PM Modi arrived in Abuja, Nigeria, for the first leg of his three-nation tour, which will also take him to Brazil and Guyana. His visit underscores the strengthening of the strategic ties between India and Nigeria, which have grown significantly in recent years.

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

In a statement, PM Modi expressed his excitement about visiting Nigeria for the first time at the invitation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He emphasized that his visit is aimed at deepening the India-Nigeria strategic partnership, which is based on shared values of democracy and pluralism. He also looked forward to engaging with the Indian community and friends from Nigeria, who had extended a warm welcome.

This visit marks the first time in 17 years that an Indian Prime Minister has traveled to Nigeria, highlighting the importance of the bilateral relationship. India and Nigeria share strong ties in sectors such as energy, defense, and economic collaboration, with over 200 Indian companies having invested more than $27 billion in Nigeria, solidifying India’s role as a key development partner in the region.