'Heartwarming To See Such A Vibrant Welcome': PM Modi Tweets As He Lands In Nigeria

Abuja: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Nigeria's Abuja on late Saturday night, marking his first visit to West African nation as part of his 3-nation tour including Brazil and Guyana. Nigerian Minister for Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Ezenwo Wike received Prime Minister at Abuja airport. A large garing of Indian diaspora was also present at airport to welcome PM Modi.

prime minister's Nigeria visit highlights importance of strengning ties between India and Nigeria. 

Upon his arrival in Abuja, PM Modi extended his greetings for heartwarming welcome saying, "Heartwarming to see Indian community in Nigeria extending such a warm and vibrant welcome".

Wike presented PM Modi with 'Key to City' of Abuja. key symbolises trust and honour bestowed on PM by people of Nigeria.

Prime Minister is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions in Nigeria to strengn ties between both countries.  In a post on X, PM Modi emphasised aim of his visit to deepen bilateral friendship between both nations.

"Landed a short while ago in Nigeria. Grateful for warm welcome. May this visit deepen bilateral friendship between our nations," PM Modi said.

President of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu also highlighted strengning bilateral ties as he expressed his anticipation of welcoming PM Modi to Nigeria.

"I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his first visit to Nigeria, which is also first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to our dear country since 2007. Our bilateral discussions will seek to expand strategic partnership between both countries and enhance cooperation in critical sectors," Tinubu said in a post on X.

Indian diaspora was buzzing with excitement upon arrival of PM Modi. Several members of diaspora were seen holding Indian flags and chanting -- 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' with palpable excitement.

"We are very enthusiastic to meet our PM. This is his maiden visit to Nigeria. We welcome him," Girish Jaikar, a member of Indian diaspora said.

"An Indian PM is coming to Nigeria after 15 years. We are very energetic and enthusiastic. We have a lot of hope from PM Modi because India-Nigeria ties need to be improved. We hope that his visit will give a fruitful result," Ramesh Malik, anor member of Indian diaspora, said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a three-nation tour to Nigeria, Brazil and Guyana scheduled from November 17 to November 21. 

PM Modi issued a statement indicating his first stop in Nigeria, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's invitation, aimed at strengning strategic ties between both countries.

"At invitation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this will be my first visit to Nigeria, which is our close partner in West African region. My visit will be an opportunity to build upon our Strategic Partnership that is based on shared belief in democracy and pluralism. I am also eagerly looking forward to meeting Indian community and friends from Nigeria who have sent me warm welcome messages in Hindi," statement said.

PM Modi will be heing to Brazil for 19th G20 Summit, scheduled to take place from November 18 to 19. As a Troika member, India will play a significant role in shaping agenda, building on momentum from its own G20 presidency. Brazil is expected to maintain focus on Global South priorities, ensuring continuity and progress on key issues.

PM Modi's final destination is Guyana, where he'll make history as first Indian Prime Minister to visit country in over five deces. During his visit, PM Modi will dress Guyanese Parliament and pay respects to Indian diaspora, who migrated to Guyana over 185 years ago.