Kehinde Fajobi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is hosting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the State House in Abuja, marking the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Nigeria since 2007.
Modi arrived in Abuja on Saturday evening and was officially welcomed by Tinubu at the Forecourt of the State House around 10:20 am on Sunday.
The Indian leader was greeted with his country’s anthem, followed by the Nigerian anthem, after which he inspected a mounted Guard of Honour provided by a Brigade of Guards.
A 21-gun salute concluded the ceremonial welcome.
During the visit, both leaders are expected to hold a series of bilateral engagements, including a restricted meeting, delegation-level discussions, and the signing of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to strengthen ties between the two nations.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, “President Tinubu and Prime Minister Modi will seek to strengthen Nigeria’s and India’s ties further during their bilateral discussions.
“Both leaders will exchange signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to enhance collaboration in critical sectors.”
The visit by Prime Minister Modi is significant, as it represents a continuation of the strategic partnership established during Dr Manmohan Singh’s visit in 2007.