President Bola Tinubu has extended condolences to the government and people of India on the death of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Mr Singh, India’s prime minister between 2004 and 2014, died Thursday at 92, Bayo Onanuga, the president’s spokesman, said in a statement.

He said Mr Singh’s official visit to Nigeria in 2007 was historic and that he earned the honour of addressing a joint session of the National Assembly, a privilege accorded to only a few global leaders.

Mr Tinubu paid tribute to Mr Singh’s dedication to strengthening the Nigeria-India relationship, saying his diplomatic efforts remained a reference point in the history of bilateral relations between the two nations.

The president recounted the establishment of the strategic partnership between Nigeria and India under Mr Singh’s tenure, which has continued to flourish, driving political and economic prosperity for both countries.

Mr Tinubu further lauded Mr Singh’s efforts to forge improved cooperation in defence, trade, culture, education, health, science and technology, and ICT.

He saluted Mr Singh’s role in steering India’s economic reforms during globally challenging times.

Mr Tinubu prayed that the departed prime minister’s dedication to service would inspire the people of India. 

(NAN)