Abuja
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Abuja, Nigeria, on Sunday for his first visit to the West African nation in 17 years. The visit marks a significant step in deepening India-Nigeria relations, with discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in areas like trade, investment, and digital public infrastructure.
Modi was warmly welcomed at the presidential villa, where he held a one-on-one meeting with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The talks are expected to pave the way for several agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral ties across key sectors. Both leaders are committed to expanding the strategic partnership between the two countries.
India and Nigeria have enjoyed strong diplomatic relations for over six decades. In 2007, during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit, the two nations elevated their ties to a “strategic partnership.” India’s diplomatic presence in Nigeria dates back to 1958, two years before Nigeria gained independence.
The Indian diaspora in Nigeria, the largest in West Africa, plays a crucial role in fostering this enduring relationship. With about 60,000 Indians living in Nigeria, they contribute significantly to trade and business. More than 200 Indian companies have invested around USD 27 billion in key manufacturing sectors, making India the second-largest employer in the country after the Nigerian government.
Additionally, India has supported Nigeria’s development through concessional loans and capacity-building programs, further strengthening their cooperation. Modi’s visit to Nigeria is part of a three-nation tour, which will also take him to Brazil for the G20 summit and later to Guyana.
