Nigeria was the first stop in Modi’s three-nation tour, which also includes visits to Brazil for the G20 Summit and Guyana
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on November 17, 2024, became the first Indian leader in 17 years to visit Nigeria, where he received the nation’s highest honor, the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger. During his visit, he and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu pledged to address the developmental aspirations of the Global South and strengthen cooperation in key areas such as defense, trade, and cultural exchange.
Modi’s visit marked a milestone in India-Nigeria relations. After a ceremonial welcome in Abuja with a 21-gun salute, he held discussions with President Tinubu to explore strategic partnerships. Both leaders emphasized tackling shared challenges like terrorism, piracy, and drug trafficking while expanding collaboration in energy, technology, health, and education.
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The Indian diaspora in Nigeria, comprising 60,000 individuals, also featured prominently during the visit
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Modi thanked President Tinubu for safeguarding the community and acknowledged the contributions of 200 Indian companies in Nigeria, which have invested $27 billion and generated significant employment
Highlighting Nigeria’s significance on the global stage, Modi lauded its chairmanship of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and its role as a partner country in BRICS. He also appreciated Nigeria’s support for the African Union’s full membership in the G20, underscoring the nation’s growing influence.
India and Nigeria signed three key agreements focused on customs cooperation, survey collaboration, and cultural exchange. Modi further announced 20 tonnes of humanitarian aid to support Nigerians affected by recent floods.
Receiving the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger was a defining moment of the visit. Modi dedicated the honor to the Indian people and the enduring friendship between the two nations. “This award is a testament to the strong ties between our countries and our shared commitment to the aspirations of the Global South,” Modi said.
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