Tinubu Welcomes India’s Modi To Aso Villa

President Bola Tinubu has received Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the State House in Abuja.

Modi arrived in Abuja on Saturday evening and was formally welcomed by Tinubu at the State House Forecourt at approximately 10:20 am on Sunday.

The ceremonial reception included the Indian national anthem and a Guard of Honour mounted by Nigeria’s Brigade of Guards.

This was followed by the Nigerian anthem and an inspection of the Guard of Honour, capped with a 21-gun salute.

During the visit, the two leaders were to engage in bilateral discussions, including a restricted meeting and delegation-level talks, focusing on deepening cooperation in various sectors.

They are also expected to sign and exchange Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to formalise agreements.

According to a statement from Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the visit would bolster the strategic partnership between the two countries.

“President Tinubu and Prime Minister Modi will seek to strengthen Nigeria’s and India’s ties further during their bilateral discussions.

“Both leaders will exchange signed Memoranda of Understanding to enhance collaboration in critical sectors,” the statement read.

This is the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Nigeria since Dr. Manmohan Singh’s state visit in 2007, which established a strategic partnership between the two nations.