Kehinde Fajobi
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is set to visit Nigeria on Saturday, marking the first trip by an Indian prime minister to the country in 17 years.
The visit comes at the invitation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, according to a statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
The ministry’s statement outlined Modi’s agenda, stating, “During the visit, the Prime Minister will hold talks to review the strategic partnership between India and Nigeria and discuss further avenues to enhance the bilateral relationship.
“He will also address a gathering of the Indian community in Nigeria.”
Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Shri G. Balasubramanian, highlighted the longstanding ties between the two nations, describing them as strategic partners since 2007 with deepening cooperation in economic, energy, and defence sectors.
“More than 200 Indian companies have invested over $27 billion in important sectors in Nigeria,” Balasubramanian added.
He noted that Modi’s choice of Nigeria as his first West African destination underscores India’s commitment to strengthening ties with Africa.
“Mr Narendra Modi has given priority towards Africa, towards Nigeria, and this will be his first visit to West Africa,” he said.
India’s Special Secretary for Economic Relations, Periasamy Kumaran, recently spoke about India’s Global South partnerships, noting that trade with Africa has reached $100 billion, with cumulative investments of over $75 billion.
Kumaran described India’s approach as “human-centric and demand-driven,” with a focus on sharing its development experience and responding to partner countries’ needs.