‘India-Nigeria ties are a priority,’ PM Modi meets Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on his visit to Nigeria as part of a three-nation tour, emphasised India’s commitment to its strategic partnership with the country. This visit marks the first by an Indian prime minister to Nigeria in 17 years.

Nigeria has honoured Prime Minister Narendra Modi with its second-highest national award, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON). He is only the second foreign leader to receive this award, after Queen Elizabeth, who was honoured in 1969.

"Honoured to be conferred with the ‘Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger’ Award by Nigeria. I accept it with great humility and dedicate it to the 140 crore people of India and the friendship of India and Nigeria," Modi said.

Speaking during his meeting with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja, PM Modi said, “We give high priority to our strategic partnership with Nigeria. We have strong cooperation in several sectors like defence, energy, financial issues, technology, health, education, and culture. Several new possibilities are attached to our relations.”

"We have been working together to tackle challenges like terrorism, separatism, piracy and drug smuggling. We will continue to do this in the times ahead even stronger...,” he said. Additionally, PM Modi shared India’s recent humanitarian assistance, saying, “We have been sending 20 tonnes of relief supplies for people hit by last month's floods.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi added, "I believe that with our dialogues today, a new chapter would be added to our relations. Together, we will highlight the priorities of Global South on a global scale and with our combined efforts, we will achieve success."

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Upon arriving in Nigeria’s capital on Sunday morning, PM Modi said the vital role of the 60,000-strong Indian diaspora in the relationship between the two countries, calling them a “key pillar” of this partnership. He also mentioned the African Union’s recent inclusion as a permanent member of the G20 during the September 2023 summit in New Delhi, calling it a “significant outcome.”

India and Nigeria have enjoyed close ties for more than six decades. India’s first diplomatic mission in Nigeria was established in 1958, two years before Nigeria gained independence. The partnership was elevated to a “strategic” level during former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh’s visit in 2007.

India’s economic engagement with Nigeria has also been substantial. Over 200 Indian companies have invested around $27 billion in key manufacturing sectors in Nigeria, making them the second-largest employers in the country after the federal government.

(With inputs from agencies)