Abuja — President Bola Tinubu on Sunday formally welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Presidential Villa in Abuja, marking a significant step in bolstering diplomatic ties between Nigeria and India.
Prime Minister Modi, who arrived in Abuja on Saturday evening, was ceremoniously received at the State House Forecourt by President Tinubu at approximately 10:20 a.m. The reception featured full military honors, beginning with the playing of the Indian national anthem, followed by the Nigerian anthem. A Guard of Honour, mounted by the Brigade of Guards, conducted a parade inspection, which was capped with a symbolic 21-gun salute.
The state visit, described as historic, is the first by an Indian prime minister since Dr. Manmohan Singh’s visit in 2007. It reflects a renewed commitment to fostering strategic partnerships between the two nations.
The agenda for the meeting includes a series of bilateral activities, including a private discussion between Tinubu and Modi, delegation-level talks, and the signing of key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). These agreements are expected to enhance collaboration in critical sectors such as trade, technology, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, highlighted the significance of Modi’s visit. “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 MoUs to enhance collaboration in critical sectors,” he said.
The visit is seen as a milestone in the enduring relationship between Nigeria and India, two of the world’s largest democracies. As discussions progress, both leaders aim to deepen economic cooperation and explore innovative solutions to shared challenges, signaling a new era of partnership.
