Nigeria to Honor PM Modi with Prestigious Award Once Given to Queen Elizabeth

Nigeria to Honor PM Modi by conferring the prestigious Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), making him only the second foreign leader to receive it after Queen Elizabeth in 1969.

By Palak Pathak Updated: Nov 17, 2024, 14:57 IST

The Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger GCON, is Nigeria's highest honor, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be bestowed with it. This places him as the second foreign dignitary to receive this award, since the Queen of England received it back in 1969.

PM Modi Honored with Nigeria's Highest Award

PM Modi arrived in Abuja on Thursday, marking the start of a three-nation tour, followed by Brazil and Guyana. This is the 17th international honor bestowed upon PM Modi, and in this regard, it manifests his global diplomatic influence. On arrival, PM Modi was welcomed warmly by Nigeria's Minister for Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, who welcomed him by presenting him the ceremonial "Key to the City" of Abuja. It makes known Nigeria's respect for India and its leader.

PM Modi is to take the visit a notch higher by further deepening India's strategic relationship with Nigeria that is based on shared democratic and pluralistic values. While talking, PM Modi noted Nigeria to be one of their closest partners in the West African region and looked forward to deepening bilateral ties and connecting with the Indian diaspora as well as local communities.

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India and Nigeria enjoy an excellent relationship, with rapidly increasing cooperation between them in terms of the economic, energy, and defense sectors. Indeed, over 200 Indian companies have invested over $27 billion in Nigeria, creating significant national development, most of it in agriculture, manufacturing, and telecommunications. This visit is important because it represents the first trip by an Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria in 17 years; it reinforces a renewed commitment towards fostering closer ties. With such an opportunity, both nations are sure to expand further the partnership between them in trade, energy security, and people-to-people connections that are favorable and will pave the way for India's role in Nigeria's successful development journey.