President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on completing 25 years as head of government, describing the milestone as an uncommon achievement in a democratic system.

In a message issued on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, Tinubu congratulated Modi on behalf of the Nigerian government and people, as well as in his personal capacity.

Modi began his tenure as head of a government on October 7, 2001, when he was sworn in as Chief Minister of Gujarat. He later served as the state’s chief minister for more than 12 years before becoming India’s prime minister in May 2014. He is currently serving his third consecutive term as prime minister.

Tinubu described the uninterrupted 25-year period as a significant democratic milestone, noting that Modi has remained in public leadership through his years in Gujarat and subsequent service at the federal level.

The Nigerian President also praised what he described as Modi’s contribution to India’s development, pointing to areas including infrastructure, digital public services, financial inclusion and innovation.

Tinubu said Modi’s tenure had been associated with the transformation of Gujarat and India’s growing position in the global economy. These descriptions form part of the Nigerian President’s assessment of Modi’s record rather than an independent evaluation of his administration.

Modi’s own account of the anniversary similarly traces his public leadership to his October 7, 2001 inauguration as Gujarat chief minister. Indian government sources have marked the milestone as 25 years of continuous service as head of a government.

Tinubu used the occasion to highlight the relationship between Nigeria and India, describing the two countries as important partners within the Global South.

He recalled Modi’s state visit to Abuja in November 2024, during which Nigeria conferred the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on the Indian prime minister.

The visit was significant in bilateral relations, with both countries discussing cooperation in areas including trade and investment, energy, defence and security, health, education and technology.

Tinubu said Nigeria remains committed to strengthening the strategic partnership with India and expressed confidence that cooperation between the two countries would continue to expand.

He also linked the relationship to the two countries’ positions as major democracies and voices within the Global South, saying they share an interest in a more inclusive and representative international system.

The Nigerian President concluded his message by wishing Modi good health, strength and continued success in serving the people of India.

Modi's 25-year political milestone has also been marked by the Indian government, which adopted a resolution recognising his continuous leadership from his first appointment as Gujarat chief minister in 2001 through his tenure as prime minister.

For Nigeria, Tinubu’s message provides another indication of the importance his administration places on its relationship with India, particularly in trade, investment, technology, energy and other areas of bilateral cooperation.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia