Prime Minister Narendra Modi left Nigeria on Sunday evening for Brazil to participate in the G20 Summit, following what he described as a “productive visit” to the West African nation.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) announced, “PM @narendramodi emplanes for Brazil after concluding a productive visit to Nigeria.”
Before his departure, PM Modi expressed gratitude for the visit, stating, “Thank you Nigeria for a productive visit, which will add speed and vigour to India-Nigeria friendship.”
During his stay, PM Modi and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu agreed to collaborate on the development goals of the Global South and to enhance the India-Nigeria Strategic Partnership. Their discussions included a private meeting followed by delegation-level talks at Abuja’s Aso Rock Villa, the official residence and office of the Nigerian Presidency.
“Had a very productive discussion with President Tinubu. We talked about adding momentum to our strategic partnership. There is immense scope for ties to flourish even further in sectors like defence, energy, technology, trade, health, education, and more,” PM Modi noted on X after their talks.
President Tinubu acknowledged India’s role in amplifying the voices of developing nations through the Voice of the Global South Summits. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress in their bilateral relations and identified significant opportunities for collaboration in trade, investment, education, energy, health, culture, and people-to-people connections. PM Modi offered India’s expertise in agriculture, transportation, affordable medicine, renewable energy, and digital transformation to Nigeria.
The two leaders also discussed enhancing cooperation in defence and security, reaffirming their commitment to jointly combat terrorism, piracy, and radicalization.
While addressing the Indian community in Nigeria, PM Modi highlighted the contributions of Indians to Nigeria, stating, “You all have not only given your hard work and effort to Nigeria but also your hearts to Nigeria.” He emphasized the importance of maintaining values while pursuing global good and praised the Indian diaspora for their role in promoting Indian culture in Nigeria, noting the growing popularity of yoga.
With a community of around 60,000, the Indian diaspora in Nigeria is the largest in West Africa, fostering strong ties between the two nations for decades.
During his visit, Nigeria honored PM Modi with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), marking the first time a foreign leader has received this award since 1969, when it was presented to Queen Elizabeth II.
President Tinubu bestowed the honor upon PM Modi during their bilateral meeting, recognizing his leadership in positioning India as a global powerhouse. PM Modi thanked President Tinubu and the Nigerian people for the accolade, dedicating it to the people of India and the enduring friendship between the two countries, stating, “Honoured to be conferred with the ‘Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger’ Award by Nigeria. I accept it with great humility and dedicate it to the people of India.