The visit was also significant for another reason - Modi’s visit to Nigeria at the invitation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria in 17 years. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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Nereshnee Govender
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strategic visit to Nigeria last month, highlights India’s commitment to strengthening global partnerships, signifying a renewed commitment to fortifying the long-standing partnership between the two countries.
The visit was also significant for another reason - Modi’s visit to Nigeria at the invitation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria in 17 years.
The two countries enjoy warm, friendly, and deep-rooted bilateral relations, with India establishing its Diplomatic House in Lagos in November 1958, two years before Nigeria became independent on 01 October 1960.
At the moment India is Nigeria’s largest trading partner and Nigeria is India’s largest trading partner in Africa.
In the financial period 21/22, the bilateral trade volume between the two countries has been close to $15 and while India is one of the largest buyers of Nigerian crude oil, over 135 companies are owned and or operated by Indians or Persons-of-Indian Origin in Nigeria.
Historically, both countries have been in the forefront of the international anti-colonial and anti-apartheid struggle and closely collaborated in various international fora. The presence of a large Indian expatriate community of about 50 000, the largest in West Africa, adds value to the importance of their long-standing relationship.
India has emerged as a development partner of Nigeria on two fronts by offering developmental assistance through concessional loans (USD 100 million) and by offering capacity-building training programmes.
Modi’s visit, where he was bestowed with Nigeria’s National Honour in recognition for the long -standing relationship between the two countries, marked Modi’s three-nation visits to Nigeria, Brazil and Guyana aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation in various sectors.
Taking to social media platform X in response to honour given to him, Modi said: “Honoured to be conferred with the ‘Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger’ Award by Nigeria. I accept it with great humility and dedicate it to the people of India.”
During a televised address delivered from Abuja on Sunday, Modi said terrorism, separatism, piracy and drug trafficking are major challenges and said the two countries will continue to work together to deal with them.
"We give high priority to our strategic partnership with Nigeria...I am confident that a new chapter in our ties will begin following our talks," Modi said.
The prime minister said that the close to 60 000-strong Indian expatriate community in Nigeria is a key pillar of India-Nigeria relations and thanked Tinubu for ensuring their welfare.
Modi also announced that India is sending 20 tonnes of relief supplies for Nigerian people hit by October's floods.
There are more than 200 Indian companies who have invested about USD 27 billion in all important manufacturing sectors and these companies are the second largest employers after the federal government, according to Indian officials.
“With the visit of President Tinubu to India last year, a new aspect has been added to our relations. Today, detailed discussions were held to further strengthen and widen our mutual cooperation.
“We have identified new possibilities in economy, energy, agriculture, security, fintech, small and medium state enterprises and cultural areas.
As a close and trusted partner, special emphasis will be placed on skill development and capacity building as per the necessities of the people of Nigeria,” Modi said.
Tinubu acknowledged India’s effort to amplify the concerns of developing countries through the medium of the Global South Summits.
A joint statement said both leaders pledged greater collaboration in counterterrorism, maritime security and intelligence sharing to cope with growing threats in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Guinea, the area off the coast of West Africa that is one of the world’s most dangerous for piracy
“You stood side by side with Nigeria on many fronts for many decades. You’ve navigated through India’s sectors and also ensured joint collaboration to maintain and strengthen our relationship,” said Tinubu.
On social media platform X, the Nigerian President said: “I had a productive bilateral session with Prime Minister Modi. We identified several promising areas for enhanced collaboration and cooperation, including culture, defence, mining, customs, and education, among others. As the two largest democracies in the world and in Africa, the strategic partnership between Nigeria and India has stood the test of time. “
The visit by the Indian Prime Minister with the Nigerian President will likely be a boost for all Global South countries in the measures that can be taken to boost global partnerships and bolster bilateral ties and economic collaboration.
Dr Govender is an academic and a keen observer of issues related to international relations.
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