Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Nigeria on Sunday, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 17 years. This visit is part of his five-day journey to Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana, following an invitation from Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Warm Reception by the Indian Diaspora
PM Modi received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from the Indian diaspora in Nigeria. His visit is also notable as it is his first ever to the West African region.
Key to the City of Abuja
Upon his arrival in Abuja, PM Modi was greeted by the Nigerian Minister for Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike. In a special gesture, Wike presented PM Modi with the ‘Key to the City’ of Abuja. This symbolic key represents the trust and respect that the people of Nigeria have for the Indian Prime Minister, as noted by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a post on X.
Thank you Nigeria for the memorable welcome! pic.twitter.com/2hneeauHD1
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 17, 2024
PM Modi Thanks Nigerian President
President Tinubu welcomed PM Modi on X, expressing hopes for strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations. He added, “Our bilateral discussions will seek to expand the strategic partnership between both countries and enhance cooperation in critical sectors. Welcome to Nigeria, Prime Minister Modi.”
In his response, PM Modi expressed gratitude for the warm welcome, stating, “Thank you, President Tinubu. Landed a short while ago in Nigeria. Grateful for the warm welcome. May this visit deepen the bilateral friendship between our nations.”
Thank you, President Tinubu.
Landed a short while ago in Nigeria. Grateful for the warm welcome. May this visit deepen the bilateral friendship between our nations. @officialABAT https://t.co/hlRiwj1XnV pic.twitter.com/iVW1Pr60Zi
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 16, 2024
Connecting with the Indian Community in Nigeria
PM Modi shared his joy on social media, saying, “Heartwarming to see the Indian community in Nigeria extending such a warm and vibrant welcome!” He also highlighted the connection of the Marathi community in Nigeria with their roots, noting their joy over the recognition of Marathi as a classical language in India.
Next Destination: Brazil
Following his visit to Nigeria, PM Modi will head to Brazil to attend the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro on November 18-19. As part of the G20 Troika, along with Brazil and South Africa, India will play a key role in shaping the summit’s agenda. World leaders, including US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, are expected to attend.
Also Read: Brazil Awaits PM Modi: Indian Diaspora Prepares Grand Welcome
Final Stop: Guyana
From November 19 to 21, PM Modi will travel to Guyana, where he will make history as the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the country in over 50 years, at the invitation of President Mohamed Irfaan Ali.
