Indian PM Modi Receives Warm Welcome from Wike, Ojukwu During Visit to Nigeria

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was warmly welcomed by key Nigerian leaders, including Governor Nyesom Wike and Chukwuemeka Ojukwu, during his official visit to Nigeria. The leaders discussed strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing economic ties between the two nations.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Abuja last night for a significant visit focused on strengthening the bilateral relationship between India and Nigeria.

At Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, the Prime Minister received a warm welcome from Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and Bianca Odimegwu-Ojukwu, who serves as the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

Upon arriving, Modi took to his verified X handle (formerly Twitter) @narendramodi to express his gratitude for the reception. He remarked, “Thank you, President Tinubu. I’ve just landed in Nigeria and am grateful for the warm welcome. I hope this visit strengthens our bilateral friendship.”

President Bola Tinubu expressed his excitement about the visit on his official X handle, @officialABAT. He stated, “I am eager to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his inaugural trip to Nigeria… Our bilateral talks will aim to strengthen our strategic partnership and boost collaboration in key sectors.”

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This visit signifies the first time in 17 years that an Indian Prime Minister has traveled to Nigeria. The previous visit was by Dr. Manmohan Singh in 2007, when a strategic partnership between the two countries was established.

The main agenda for the visit features high-level talks at the State House in Abuja, where President Tinubu and Prime Minister Modi are set to concentrate on enhancing cooperation across trade, technology, energy, and education. Additionally, they will exchange signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to formalize agreements that reinforce collaboration in these vital areas.

In a statement, Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, announced that “President Tinubu and Prime Minister Modi aim to further strengthen the ties between Nigeria and India through bilateral discussions. The two leaders will exchange signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to boost collaboration in key sectors.”

India and Nigeria share a long-standing partnership, with India ranking among Nigeria’s largest trading partners. This visit is anticipated to strengthen and broaden this historic relationship further.