Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Abuja last night for a landmark visit aimed at enhancing bilateral ties between India and Nigeria.
At the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, the Prime Minister was warmly received by Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and Bianca Odimegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
Upon his arrival, Modi expressed gratitude for the reception through a post on his verified X handle (formerly Twitter) @narendramodi. He stated, “Thank you, President Tinubu. Landed a short while ago in Nigeria. Grateful for the warm welcome. May this visit deepen the bilateral friendship between our nations.”
President Bola Tinubu also shared his enthusiasm about the visit on his official X handle @officialABAT, saying, “I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his first visit to Nigeria… Our bilateral discussions will seek to expand the strategic partnership between both countries and enhance cooperation in critical sectors.”
This visit marks the first time an Indian prime minister has visited Nigeria in 17 years. The last visit was by Dr. Manmohan Singh in 2007, during which a strategic partnership between the two nations was established.
The key agenda for the visit includes high-level discussions at the State House in Abuja, where President Tinubu and Prime Minister Modi are expected to focus on boosting cooperation in areas such as trade, technology, energy, and education. The leaders will also exchange signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to formalize agreements that strengthen collaboration in these critical sectors.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said in a statement, “President Tinubu and Prime Minister Modi will seek to strengthen Nigeria’s and India’s ties further during their bilateral discussions. Both leaders will exchange signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to enhance collaboration in critical sectors.”
India and Nigeria have a long-standing partnership, with India being one of Nigeria’s largest trading partners. This visit is expected to reinforce and expand this historic relationship.
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