President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed profound condolences to the government and people of India over the passing of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. The esteemed economist and statesman, who served as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, passed away on Thursday at the age of 92.

In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described Singh as a visionary leader whose contributions to Nigeria-India relations remain unparalleled.

The President recalled Singh’s historic 2007 visit to Nigeria, during which he earned the rare privilege of addressing a joint session of the National Assembly, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations. Under Singh’s tenure, Nigeria and India established a Strategic Partnership that has since driven political and economic collaboration between the two nations.

“President Tinubu pays tribute to Dr. Singh’s dedication to strengthening the Nigeria-India relationship, noting that his diplomatic efforts remain a reference point in the history of the bilateral relations between the two nations,” the statement read.

President Tinubu lauded Singh’s initiatives in fostering cooperation across various sectors, including defence trade, culture, education, health, science and technology, and ICT. He also highlighted Singh’s role in steering India’s economic reforms during challenging global periods, a testament to his visionary leadership and commitment to progress.

Acknowledging the legacy left behind by Singh, President Tinubu expressed gratitude to the Indian people for celebrating the life of the distinguished leader and prayed that his service and dedication to humanity would continue to inspire future generations.

Dr. Manmohan Singh’s contributions to global diplomacy and economic development remain an enduring legacy, and his loss is deeply felt across nations, including Nigeria, where his impact on bilateral relations will not be forgotten.