MESSAGE FROM HIS EXCELLENCY BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, ON THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI AS HEAD OF GOVERNMENT IN GUJARAT AND THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA

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.

Today, 7 October 2026, marks 25 years since he first assumed office in 2001 as Head of Government and Chief Minister of Gujarat.

His public service has continued without interruption. After more than twelve years serving the people of Gujarat, he has remained Prime Minister of the Republic 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.

Across these 25 years, Prime Minister Modi has led with vision and an unwavering commitment to development. From the transformation of Gujarat to India’s emergence as one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies, his leadership in infrastructure, digital public goods, financial inclusion and innovation has lifted millions and inspired nations across the Global South.

Nigeria deeply values the strategic partnership between our two great nations. I fondly recall the Prime Minister’s historic State Visit to Abuja in November 2024, when Nigeria honoured him with the title of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger.

That visit 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, Nigeria and India share a common commitment to a fairer, more inclusive and more representative international order. I remain confident that, under his continued leadership, the bonds of friendship between our peoples will grow ever stronger.

As Prime Minister Modi marks this remarkable anniversary, I wish him good health, continued strength and every success in the service of the people of India.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria
October 7, 2026