PM Narendra Modi Receives Ceremonial Welcome in Abuja, Begins Bilateral Talks with Nigerian President
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Abuja, Nigeria, and received a ceremonial welcome at the Aso Rock Villa, the official residence and office of the Nigerian President. This historic visit marks the first time an Indian Prime Minister has visited Nigeria in 17 years and also Modi’s first visit to the West African region.
Key Highlights of the Visit
- Five Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) to be exchanged between India and Nigeria, covering areas such as culture, geological survey, digital public infrastructure, customs, traditional medicine, and audio-visual cooperation
- $400 million development assistance offered by India to Nigeria, with $100 million already utilized for various projects, particularly in the power sector
- 500 ITEC scholarships offered to Nigeria, 250 each for civilian and defense experts to train in India
- Indian diaspora interaction, with PM Modi set to interact with the Indian community in Nigeria, estimated to be around 60,000 strong
Bilateral Talks and Relations
PM Modi will hold delegation-level talks with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to review bilateral relations and explore avenues to further expand and enhance the relationship between the two countries. The talks are expected to cover various areas, including:
- Trade and Commerce: Bilateral trade between India and Nigeria stands at around $15 billion, with Indian companies investing approximately $27 billion in Nigeria
- Defense Cooperation: India has helped establish defense institutions in Nigeria, including the National Defence Academy and the National War College
- People-to-People Contacts: Indian teachers have been teaching in Nigeria for several decades, and people-to-people contacts between the two countries remain strong
Conclusion
PM Modi’s visit to Nigeria marks a significant step in strengthening the relationship between the two countries. With shared values of democracy, pluralism, and diversity, India and Nigeria are poised to explore new avenues of cooperation and collaboration
