President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on completing 25 years of uninterrupted service as head of government.
President Tinubu describes the milestone as a rare democratic achievement and evidence of the enduring confidence of the Indian people in his leadership.
Tinubu, in a message marking the anniversary, said Modi’s record, spanning more than 12 years as Chief Minister of Gujarat and his tenure as Prime Minister of India since 2014, reflected sustained commitment to public service and national development.
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, Prime Minister of the Republic of India, on a truly historic milestone”, the President said.
He noted that October 7, 2026 marked exactly 25 years since Modi first assumed office as Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2001.
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”, Tinubu said.
The President praised Modi’s leadership in infrastructure, digital public goods, financial inclusion and innovation, saying the Indian leader had played a significant role in transforming Gujarat and positioning India as one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies.
According to Tinubu, Modi’s leadership had lifted millions of people and provided inspiration to developing countries, particularly across the Global South.
He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to its strategic partnership with India, recalling Modi’s State Visit to Abuja in November 2024, during which Nigeria conferred on him the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger.
Tinubu said the visit strengthened cooperation between both countries in trade and investment, energy, defence and security, health, education and technology.
“Nigeria deeply values the strategic partnership between our two great nations.
“That visit gave fresh impetus to our cooperation in trade and investment, energy, defence and security, health, education, and technology”, he said.
The President said Nigeria and India, as major democracies and influential voices of the Global South, shared a commitment to building a fairer and more representative international system.
“As fellow democracies and leading voices of the Global South, Nigeria and India share a common commitment to a fairer, more inclusive and more representative international order”, Tinubu said.
He expressed confidence that relations between both countries would continue to deepen under Modi’s leadership.
“I remain confident that, under his continued leadership, the bonds of friendship between our peoples will grow ever stronger,” he added.
Tinubu wished the Indian Prime Minister good health, strength and continued success in the service of his country.
