PM Modi receives grand welcome in Nigeria with 'Vande Mataram' chants

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived on Sunday for his first-ever visit to Nigeria, the Indian community living in the West African country turned out in large numbers to give him an enthusiastic welcome, chanting slogans ” Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram”. , at Abuja airport.

Thanking the Indian diaspora in Nigeria for welcoming him, Prime Minister Modi wrote an article on

It warms my heart to see the Indian community in Nigeria give him such a warm and dynamic welcome! pic.twitter.com/QYfAUOpqRO

Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 16, 2024

Prime Minister Modi also praised the Indian community living in Nigeria for staying in touch with their roots, language and culture. The Prime Minister also interacted with a large number of Indian women, children and men living in the West African country and posted photos with them online.

In another post, PM Modi tweeted: “In Nigeria, the Marathi community has expressed happiness that Marathi has been conferred the status of a classical language. It is truly commendable how she stays connected to her culture and roots.

The city of Abuja was adorned with posters and hoardings depicting Prime Minister Modi early Saturday as the prime minister embarked from India for his five-day visit to three countries, including Nigeria.

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Abuja on Sunday.

Nigeria is the first stop of the Prime Minister's five-day three-country visit where leaders of the two countries aim to strengthen strategic ties.

After his visit to Nigeria on November 16-17, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Brazil for the G20 summit.

PM Modi's final destination is Guyana.

The Indian diaspora has expressed excitement over Prime Minister Modi's maiden visit to Nigeria.

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally welcomed Prime Minister Modi at the Abuja airport on Sunday, highlighting the importance of the visit in strengthening ties between India and Nigeria.

Speaking to social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi thanked President Tinubu.

“Landed in Nigeria a short time ago. Grateful for the warm welcome. May this visit deepen the bilateral friendship between our nations,” PM Modi tweeted.

Prime Minister Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the West African country in 17 years.

“I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his maiden visit to Nigeria, which is also the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to our dear country since 2007. Our bilateral discussions will seek to expand the strategic partnership between the two countries and to strengthen cooperation in critical sectors. Welcome to Nigeria, PM Modi @narendramodi,” Nigerian President Tinubu said on Sunday.

Invited by Nigerian President Tinubu, Prime Minister Modi was warmly received in Abuja by the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike. The minister handed over the key to the city of Abuja to Prime Minister Modi, symbolizing the trust and honor of the Nigerian people, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MEA).

President Tinubu expressed his eagerness to welcome Prime Minister Modi, saying their discussions are aimed at expanding strategic partnerships and strengthening cooperation in key sectors.

“Welcome to Nigeria, Prime Minister Modi,” Tinubu said in a post on X.

Prime Minister Modi responded with gratitude, sharing images of his arrival and expressing his hope to deepen the bilateral friendship between India and Nigeria.

Prime Minister Modi earlier said, “At the invitation of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this will be my first visit to Nigeria, which is our close partner in the West African region. My visit will be an opportunity to build on our strategic partnership which is based on a shared belief in democracy and pluralism, I also look forward to meeting the Indian community and my friends from Nigeria who have sent me messages warm welcome in hindi.

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