Victor EzejaNigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu and Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, have expressed commitment to strengthening bilateral ties that are mutually beneficial to both countries.
They made the commitment during a state visit by Modi to Nigeria on Sunday, 17 November.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelModi, who landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja on Saturday night, was well received by FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, and members of the Indian community in Nigeria.
Speaking at the opening of bilateral and political talks between Tinubu and Modi, the Nigerian President hailed India for being a worthy partner for many years.
According to a statement by Tinubu’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the president expressed hope that the visit will “spur renewed cooperation between Nigeria and India in all sectors and also ensure collaboration to maintain and strengthen our relations.’’
Tinubu cited ongoing high-level engagements, mutual support in multilateral platforms, and partnerships across various sectors between both countries.
He said: ”Nigeria values its excellent relationship with India and we hope to broaden and deepen the mutual benefit of our two friendly countries.
”You represent a very strong commitment in democratic values and norms. You have been doing a good job in three consecutive elections in a complex society. It is a feat that we respect so much.”
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The Nigerian leader praised the Indian government’s focus on transforming its economy and placing the country on the top ladder of transformative form of governance, adding that “it is a good example of democratic values that we should continue to share, cherish and promote for the economic development of our people.”
My Visit Will Strengthen Nigeria-India Partnership – Modi
On his part, the Prime Minister, who recalled Tinubu’s visit to India in September 2023 during the G20 Summit, stated that his visit to Nigeria will further strengthen longstanding partnership between the two countries.
He said relations between India and Nigeria are based on mutual cooperation, understanding and respect.
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality provided by the Nigerian government.
He described the Indian community in Nigeria as an important link between the two countries.
”Nigeria has played a very important and positive role in Africa and for India, deepening our relations with Africa has been a very high priority.
”In all our efforts, we have always tried to work with friendly countries like Nigeria.
”As it is said in Africa, a friend is someone you share with. India and Nigeria will work together to advance the interests of our people and the African continent.
”Through close coordination and working together, we will advance the interests and priorities of the Global South,” Modi stated.
President Tinubu conferred the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on the Indian Prime Minister.
Responding to the gesture, Modi said: “This honour will continue to inspire us to take the India-Nigeria strategic partnership to new heights.
”The relations between India and Nigeria are based on mutual cooperation, understanding and mutual respect.
”As two vibrant democracies and dynamic economies, we will continue to work for the benefit of our people,” Modi said.
During the visit, both leaders witnessed the exchange of signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) on cultural exchange programmes, cooperation in customs matters and collaboration between Surveyor-Generals of India and Nigeria.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
