The Prime Minister (PM) of India, Narendra Modi arrived Nigeria on Saturday on a state visit on the invitation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and was welcomed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
President Tinubu met with Modi on Sunday where the 2 countries pledged to strengthen ties in crucial areas such as defence, economic development, healthcare and food security.
According to the statement by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the President on Information and Strategy which reads in part, “The leaders reiterated their unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations including the cross-border movement of terrorists and terror financing networks and safe havens.
"They called for zero tolerance to terrorism and expeditious finalization and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the UN Framework as well as the implementation of the UNGA and the UNSC resolutions on countering terrorism and violent extremism.
"It was agreed to enhance cooperation in the area of counter-terrorism.’’
President Tinubu also conferred Nigeria’s second-highest national honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on Modi.
In his remarks, Modi said, “I am deeply honoured to receive the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger Award. This recognition reflects the shared aspirations of our 1.4 billion citizens and the strong bond between India and Nigeria.
“India and Nigeria share a relationship built on mutual respect, cooperation, and a vision for shared prosperity. Together, we will work to advance the interests of our people and the broader African continent.”
Modi is the first Indian leader to visit Nigeria in 17 years.