Sun Nov 17 14:37:05 UTC 2024: ## Modi and Tinubu Strengthen India-Nigeria Ties in Abuja Summit

**Abuja, Nigeria – November 17, 2024** – Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a highly productive visit to Nigeria today, holding extensive talks with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to significantly bolster the strategic partnership between the two nations. This was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria in 17 years.

The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation across multiple sectors, including defence, trade, energy, agriculture, and technology. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism, piracy, and radicalization, and to advancing the interests of the Global South.

PM Modi highlighted India’s expertise in various fields, offering assistance in agriculture, affordable healthcare, renewable energy, and digital transformation. President Tinubu expressed gratitude for India’s development cooperation and its positive impact on Nigeria’s human capital.

Three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed following the talks, covering cultural exchange, customs cooperation, and surveying. PM Modi also announced that India will send 20 tonnes of relief supplies to aid Nigerians affected by recent floods.

The strong presence of approximately 60,000 Indian expatriates in Nigeria was acknowledged as a key pillar of the bilateral relationship, with PM Modi thanking President Tinubu for their well-being. President Tinubu, in turn, recognized India’s role in amplifying the concerns of developing nations. The leaders discussed Nigeria’s leadership role in ECOWAS and its contributions to multilateral bodies. PM Modi also extended invitations to President Tinubu to participate in India’s pro-planet green initiatives.

The meeting underscored the significant potential for growth in trade and investment, education, energy, health, and people-to-people ties between India and Nigeria, solidifying the strategic partnership established in 2007. The substantial Indian investment in Nigeria, totaling approximately $27 billion, and the extensive Indian diaspora further strengthen this vital relationship.

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