With this accolade, PM Modi has now received 17 international awards from various countries.
First visit to Nigeria in 17 years
Modi arrived in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, on Sunday, November 17, as part of his three-nation tour. This marks the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Nigeria in 17 years.
Upon his arrival, Modi received a warm welcome from Nigerian officials and citizens alike. Minister for Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Ezenwo Wike presented the Indian prime minister with the “Key to the City” of Abuja, a symbolic gesture of trust and honour.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Abuja, Nigeria. Warmly welcomed by Minister for Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, who presented the prime minister with the ’Key to the City’ of Abuja. The key symbolises the trust and honour bestowed on the prime minister by the people of Nigeria,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a late-night post on X.
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 ????????. pic.twitter.com/9sX9IeGIEq
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) November 16, 2024
PM Modi also shared his gratitude on X, responding to Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s warm welcome message. “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,” he wrote, accompanied by pictures of his arrival.
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
The Indian community in Nigeria greeted the prime minister enthusiastically, with Modi acknowledging their vibrant reception. “Heartwarming to see the Indian community in Nigeria extending such a warm and vibrant welcome!” he said in another post.
Heartwarming to see the Indian community in Nigeria extending such a warm and vibrant welcome! pic.twitter.com/QYfAUOpqRO
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 16, 2024
Modi also appreciated the Marathi community in Nigeria for celebrating the recognition of Marathi as a classical language, recently granted by India’s Union Cabinet.
Strengthening strategic ties
Modi emphasised the visit’s focus on deepening India-Nigeria ties. “This visit offers an opportunity to build upon our strategic partnership that is based on a shared belief in democracy and pluralism,” he said.
Modi and President Tinubu are expected to hold discussions to expand cooperation in critical sectors and bolster the strategic partnership between the two nations.
Next stops: Brazil and Guyana
After concluding his engagements in Nigeria, Modi will travel to Brazil to participate in the 19th G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro on November 18-19. As a Troika member alongside Brazil and South Africa, India’s role in shaping the summit’s outcomes will be pivotal.
The final leg of his tour will see Modi visiting Guyana from November 19 to 21 at the invitation of President Mohamed Irfaan Ali. This visit marks the first by an Indian prime minister to Guyana in more than five decades.
