Abuja/New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the Nigerian capital Abuja to a warm welcome, including from the enthusiastic Indian community members.
PM Modi in a post on X thanked Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the welcome and hoped his visit would deepen the bilateral ties.
“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 was replying to a tweet by the Nigerian President welcoming him to the country, the first by an Indian PM since 2007.
“I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his first visit to Nigeria, which is also the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to our dear country since 2007.
“Our bilateral discussions will seek to expand the strategic partnership between both countries and enhance cooperation in critical sectors,” he posted.
The MEA spokespersons in a post said that PM Modi was welcomed by Minister for Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.
“PM @narendramodi arrives in Abuja, Nigeria.
“Warmly welcomed by Minister for Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Ezenwo Wike @GovWike, who presented PM with the ‘Key to the City’ of Abuja.
“The key symbolises the trust and honour bestowed on PM by the people of Nigeria.”
According to Nigerian news sites, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will receive a ceremonial welcome at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Sunday.
His visit to Nigeria will be the first by an Indian prime minister since Dr Manmohan Singh’s state visit in 2007, when the two nations established a strategic partnership.
President Tinubu and Prime Minister Modi will hold talks to strengthen the bilateral ties further.
Both leaders will exchange signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to enhance collaboration in critical sectors.
UNI