Nigeria congratulates India’s Modi on 25 years of continuous leadership
Abdullateef Fowewe
President Bola Tinubu has extended formal congratulations to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on marking 25 years of unbroken public service, calling the milestone “a rare achievement in any democracy.”
In a statement posted on X, Tinubu said, “On behalf of the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and on my own behalf, I extend warm and fraternal congratulations to His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi on a truly historic milestone. Today, 7 October 2026, marks 25 years since he first assumed office in 2001 as Head of Government and Chief Minister of Gujarat.”
Tinubu highlighted Modi’s continuous tenure, noting that after more than twelve years leading Gujarat he has served as Prime Minister of India since 2014.
“A quarter-century of unbroken leadership is a rare achievement in any democracy. In the world’s most populous nation, it is a powerful testament to the enduring confidence the Indian people have placed in him,” the Nigerian leader said.
He praised Modi’s record in transforming Gujarat and driving India’s emergence as one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies, citing advances in infrastructure, digital public goods, financial inclusion and innovation that “has lifted millions and inspired nations across the Global South.”
Tinubu also underscored the strategic partnership between Nigeria and India.
He recalled Modi’s “historic State Visit to Abuja in November 2024,” during which Nigeria conferred on him the title of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger.
That visit, he said, gave “fresh impetus to our cooperation in trade and investment, energy, defence and security, health, education, and technology.”
As fellow democracies and leading voices of the Global South, Tinubu added, the two countries share “a common commitment to a fairer, more inclusive and more representative international order.”
He expressed confidence that under Modi’s continued leadership “the bonds of friendship between our peoples will grow ever stronger” and wished the Indian prime minister “good health, continued strength and every success.”
The message comes against the backdrop of longstanding diplomatic and economic ties between Africa’s most populous nation and India.
Nigeria and India have expanded cooperation in recent years in energy, pharmaceuticals, technology and defence. Modi’s 2024 visit to Abuja was widely seen as an effort to deepen those links.
