Narendra Modi honoured with second-highest national honour of Nigeria; first world leader to be honoured since Queen Elizabeth II

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been honoured with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, the second-highest national honour of Nigeria. The award was presented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at a ceremony held in the capital Abuja. Modi is the world's first world leader to be honoured by Nigeria since Queen Elizabeth II in 1969. This is Modi's 17th international award. An Indian Prime Minister's visit to Nigeria comes after a gap of 17 years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "I express my heartfelt gratitude to the government and the people of Nigeria for conferring on me the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, Nigeria's national award. I accept this honour with humility and respect. I dedicate this honour to the 140 crore Indians and the deep friendship between India and Nigeria."

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said, "Nigeria values its excellent relationship with India, and we work to deepen and broaden the same to the mutual benefit of our two friendly countries. You represent a very strong commitment in democratic values and norms. You have been doing a good job historically, winning three consecutive elections in a complex society is a feat that we respect so much."