The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the occasion of their National Day (October 1, 2016).

In a message to His Excellency Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Muhammadu Buhari, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the President has said, "On behalf of the Government, the people of India and on my own behalf, I have great pleasure in extending warm greetings and felicitations to you, to the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the occasion of your National Day.

India and Nigeria enjoy warm and friendly relations, exemplified by our close mutual understanding and shared views on global and regional issues. Our growing bilateral engagement in the form of trade and economic cooperation and close people-to-people linkages have contributed to the further strengthening of our ties. I am confident that our multi-faceted relations will continue to be enhanced in the coming years for the mutual benefit of the peoples of our two countries.

I take this opportunity to convey my best wishes for Your Excellency's well-being and success as well as for the progress and prosperity of the friendly people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.

This Press Release issued at 1700 hrs.