Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Nigeria on Sunday as part of a three-country tour that includes Brazil and Guyana. He became the first Prime Minister of India to visit the west African nation in 17 years.
President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, greeted Prime Minister Modi upon his arrival at Abuja airport. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, the Minister for Federal Capital Territory, gave PM Modi the symbolic ‘key of the City’ of Abuja.
Taking to X, PM Modi thanked President Tinubu. “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,” PM Modi tweeted.
PM gets warm welcome from Indian diaspora
The Indian diaspora, assembled at Abuja airport, greeted PM Modi. “It’s heartening to witness the Indian community in Nigeria giving such a friendly and lively reception!” PM Modi also posted on Twitter.
During his interaction with the Indian diaspora, PM Modi emphasized the contentment of the Marathi community in Nigeria over Marathi being recognized as a Classical Language.
MEA also showed images of the reception given to PM Modi by Nigeria and the Indian community there.
“I will be visiting Nigeria for the first time, at the request of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as they are a key ally in the West African region. My arrival will allow us to further develop our Strategic Partnership, which is grounded in a mutual commitment to democracy and pluralism. I am excitedly anticipating meeting the Indian community and Nigerian friends who have sent me welcoming messages in Hindi,” PM Modi had earlier said.
The tour of three countries, scheduled from November 16 to 21, began with Nigeria and will be followed by PM Modi’s attendance at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Brazil.
The journey will end with a significant official visit to Guyana, marking the first time an Indian Prime Minister has visited in over 50 years.
