President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the 25th anniversary of his assumption of office as Head of Government and Chief Minister of Gujarat.
In a message released on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, Tinubu, speaking on behalf of the Nigerian government and people, described the milestone as “truly historic” and extended warm, fraternal congratulations to the Indian leader.
Tinubu noted that Modi first took office in 2001 as Chief Minister of Gujarat. After more than 12 years of service in the state, he became Prime Minister of India in 2014. The Nigerian President called 25 years of continuous leadership a rare achievement in any democracy and a clear reflection of the lasting confidence the Indian people have placed in Modi.
He praised Modi’s record in infrastructure development, digital public goods, financial inclusion and innovation, saying these efforts had lifted millions of people and inspired nations across the Global South.
Tinubu also pointed to the growing strategic partnership between Nigeria and India. He recalled Modi’s state visit to Abuja in November 2024, during which Nigeria conferred on him the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger. That visit, Tinubu said, injected fresh momentum into bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, energy, defence and security, health, education and technology.
As fellow democracies and leading voices of the Global South, Nigeria and India share a commitment to a fairer, more inclusive and more representative international order, the President added. He expressed confidence that the friendship between the two peoples would continue to deepen and wished Modi good health, continued strength and success in serving the people of India.