President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on completing 25 years as head of a government, describing the milestone as a rare achievement in a democracy.
Tinubu, in a message issued on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, said Modi’s journey in government began on October 7, 2001, when he was sworn in as Chief Minister of Gujarat.
Modi served as Gujarat’s chief minister for more than 12 years before becoming India’s prime minister in May 2014.
The Nigerian President said Modi’s 25 years of continuous leadership represented a significant milestone, particularly in a democratic system.
“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.
He praised what he described as Modi’s contributions to India’s development, citing infrastructure, digital public services, financial inclusion and innovation.
“Across these 25 years, Prime Minister Modi has led with vision and an unwavering commitment to development,” Tinubu said.
The President said Modi’s political journey had seen him lead Gujarat before taking his experience to the national level as prime minister, where he has remained in office since 2014.
Tinubu’s message came months after he congratulated Modi in June 2026 for becoming India’s longest-serving elected prime minister.
The Nigerian President also highlighted the growing relationship between Nigeria and India, recalling Modi’s state visit to Abuja in November 2024.
During the visit, the two leaders discussed bilateral cooperation, while Nigeria and India reached agreements covering areas including customs, culture and land surveying.
Modi was also conferred with Nigeria’s Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger during the visit.
Tinubu said the visit had provided fresh momentum to cooperation between both countries in trade and investment, energy, defence and security, health, education and technology.
He described Nigeria and India as fellow democracies and leading voices of the Global South, saying both countries shared a commitment to a more inclusive and representative international order.
“I remain confident that, under his continued leadership, the bonds of friendship between our peoples will grow ever stronger,” Tinubu said.
The anniversary is also being marked in India, where Modi has reflected on his journey since taking the oath as Gujarat’s chief minister in 2001. The Indian government has separately highlighted his 25 years of continuous service as head of government.
Tinubu wished Modi good health, continued strength and success in the service of the Indian people.
