Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Abuja on Saturday night, November 16, on a historic two-day state visit to deepen bilateral relations between India and Nigeria.
This is the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Nigeria in 17 years, the last being Dr. Manmohan Singh in 2007.
Modi was warmly welcomed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the new Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Bianca Odimegwu-Ojukwu, for whom this might possibly be her first major diplomatic outing since her appointment on November 4.
The Indian PM took to his verified X account to thank Nigerians ”for the warm welcome” and said his visit would “deepen the bilateral friendship between our nations.”
President Bola Tinubu will meet the August visitor on Sunday.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the meeting of both leaders “will seek to strengthen Nigeria’s and India’s ties further” and “exchange signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to enhance collaboration in critical sectors.”
Some of the sectors of interest include trade, technology, energy, and education.
Modi’s visit reflects India’s increasing engagement with Africa, with Nigeria being one of its largest trading partners.
During his previous meeting with Tinubu in September 2023 in New Dehli, Modi discussed potential cooperation in various sectors, such as trade, defense, and agriculture. This visit builds on those discussions and aims to explore new opportunities for collaboration.
Mr Modi was welcomed by a large crowd of Indian residents in Abuja, highlighting the growing cultural exchange between the great continental powers of Africa and Asia.
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