Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu held talks at the Presidential Villa in Abuja yesterday. Both leaders reviewed the strategic partnership between the two countries and discussed further avenues to enhance the bilateral relationship.

The two leaders had a restricted meeting which was followed by delegation-level talks.

Prime Minister termed the discussions as productive. He said they talked about adding momentum to the strategic partnership. 

Mr Modi said there is immense scope for ties to flourish even further in sectors like defence, energy, technology, trade, health, education and more.

Sharing his remarks during delegation-level talks with President Tinubu, Prime Minister Modi said India accords high priority to its strategic partnership with Nigeria. He cited defence, energy, technology, health, education and culture as areas of cooperation between India and Nigeria.

Prime Minister said both nations have been working together to deal with challenges like terrorism and piracy.

Prime Minister thanked the Nigerian President for deciding to honour him with Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, GCON. Mr Modi stated that this is an honour which is not just for him, but for all Indians. He added that this is a testament to the age old ties between India and Nigeria.

Mr Modi noted that an Indian Prime Minister is visiting Nigeria after seventeen years. He expressed happiness that he got the opportunity to visit Nigeria in his third term.

He said India is sending 20 tonnes of humanitarian aid to support Nigeria in its flood relief efforts. He congratulated Nigeria for becoming a partner country of BRICS. Mr Modi expressed confidence that India and Nigeria will bring the issues affecting Global South in front of the rest of the world.

Earlier upon arrival at the State House, Prime Minister was accorded a ceremonial welcome with a 21-gun salute.

Following the talks, three Memoranda of Understanding were signed on Cultural Exchange Programme, Customs Cooperation and Survey Cooperation.

This was followed by a state banquet hosted by the Nigerian President in honour of Prime Minister Modi.

Prime Minister has been conferred with the ‘Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger’ Award by Nigeria. In his speech, Mr Modi said he accepts the honour with great humility and dedicated it to the people of India.

Mr Modi said that close cooperation with Africa has been a high priority for India and noted that Nigeria has had a huge and positive role in Africa. He expressed confidence that India and Nigeria will move forward together for the prosperity of both nations and the entire African continent.

Prime Minister Modi reached Abuja last night on a two day visit to Nigeria. He was given a rousing welcome upon arrival. Prime Minister was presented with the ‘Key to the City’ of Abuja.

The key symbolises the trust and honour bestowed on Prime Minister by the people of Nigeria. The Marathi community in Nigeria thanked Mr Modi for according classical language status to Marathi.