In a historic move, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Nigeria for the first time in 17 years, marking a significant step in bolstering the strategic partnership between the two nations.
President Bola Tinubu will host the Indian leader on Sunday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja for a State Visit that promises to redefine their bilateral relationship.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the visit as a milestone in Nigeria-India relations, emphasizing the importance of strengthening ties in critical sectors.
“Both leaders will exchange signed Memoranda of Understanding to enhance collaboration in areas vital to both nations’ development,” he said in a statement on Saturday.
This visit by Prime Minister Modi will be the first by an Indian prime minister since Dr. Manmohan Singh’s 2007 state visit, which laid the foundation for the current strategic partnership.
Since then, both countries have seen increased economic and cultural exchanges, with India emerging as one of Nigeria’s largest trading partners, particularly in oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, and technology.
Analysts predict that this renewed engagement will focus on broadening cooperation in technology transfer, health care, infrastructure development, and education.
Both leaders are expected to explore avenues for increased investments and initiatives that benefit their respective populations.
The meeting underscores Nigeria’s growing diplomatic clout under Tinubu’s administration, which has sought to forge closer ties with global powers to drive domestic growth.
Onanuga highlighted that this state visit reflects Nigeria’s strategic importance on the global stage and the shared vision between the two leaders.
As Prime Minister Modi arrives in Abuja on Saturday, all eyes will be on the outcomes of this landmark engagement.
For Nigeria and India, this meeting is not just about diplomacy but about laying the groundwork for a partnership that aligns with their mutual aspirations for economic growth and global relevance.