The week in review started on Sunday with the President’s efforts to position Nigeria as a global player taking another leap forward with the state visit of the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. The visit, which underscored decades of robust friendship between the two nations, resulted in agreements that promise to elevate their partnership across multiple sectors, from defense and trade to healthcare and agriculture.
Prime Minister Modi arrived to a warm reception at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, complete with a 21-gun salute—a ceremonial gesture befitting the leader of one of the world’s largest democracies. This was followed by an intimate tête-à-tête between the two leaders and an expanded round of bilateral and political discussions. The outcomes of these engagements were ambitious and forward-looking.
The discussions placed significant emphasis on security. Both leaders pledged to enhance cooperation in counterterrorism, maritime security, and intelligence sharing. In response to growing threats in the Gulf of Guinea and the Indian Ocean, they agreed to coordinated actions to protect maritime trade routes and combat piracy. Joint naval exercises and anti-piracy operations will soon become a regular feature of this defense collaboration.
“Terrorism in all its forms must be condemned,” the leaders declared in a joint statement, which was made available, in parts, to journalists at the State House by Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach to terror financing and the cross-border movement of extremists. Prime Minister Modi also offered India’s expertise to support Nigeria’s defense modernization efforts, highlighting his country’s emergence as a trusted manufacturer in the global defense industry.
Trade and investment also took center stage during the discussions. India remains Nigeria’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade heavily dominated by Nigeria’s crude oil exports to India. President Tinubu applauded the contributions of over 200 Indian companies operating in Nigeria, which have created thousands of jobs and significant investments. Both leaders directed their officials to finalize pending agreements, including the Economic Cooperation Agreement (ECA) and the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), to further boost trade and investment flows.
President Tinubu reflected on this partnership, noting, “India has stood side by side with Nigeria for decades, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to our mutual development. Our renewed agreements today only strengthen these ties further.” He also pointed to the $14 billion in pledges from Indian investors during the Nigeria-India Presidential Roundtable in September 2023 as evidence of the burgeoning economic collaboration between the two nations.
Healthcare, agriculture, and energy featured prominently in the discussions. The Indian government extended an offer to provide affordable generic medicines to Nigeria under its Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) initiative. This effort will ensure vulnerable populations in Nigeria have access to quality medicines. Modi also proposed sharing India’s CoWIN platform, a revolutionary digital health management tool, to support Nigeria’s vaccination programs and other health initiatives.
Food security emerged as a critical area of cooperation, with both leaders acknowledging the urgent need to bolster agricultural productivity. India’s timely rice supply to Nigeria during periods of scarcity was praised by President Tinubu, who expressed optimism about future collaboration in high-yield seeds, advanced farming technology, and agricultural equipment. “Nigeria and India share common challenges, but with India’s support, I am confident we can turn these challenges into opportunities,” Tinubu said.
Prime Minister Modi, in his remarks, emphasized the enduring friendship between the two countries. “The relations between India and Nigeria are built on mutual respect, understanding, and shared aspirations,” he said. He dedicated the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) honour, conferred on him by Tinubu, to the people of India and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening ties. “This honour will continue to inspire us to take the India-Nigeria strategic partnership to new heights,” Modi added.
One significant feature of Modi state visit was the GCON honour conferment on the Indian Prime Minister. The GCON is the second highest honour awarded in Nigeria, only after the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), which is reserved for the President only. GCON is therefore the highest honour conferred on any other human who is not Nigeria’s President and for those who know its significance, you cannot get any better recognition from Nigeria than this most honourable award.
What Tinubu managed to do with that honour was further strengthening the relationship, first between himself and the leader of the largest democracy in the world, as friends from who he would want to gain favours and grace for Nigerians. Then it was meant to be a mark of friendship between Nigeria and India and nations with similar backgrounds. It was aimed at procuring more goods from India, one of the fastest growing economies, for Nigeria as well as strengthening peerage between both nations.
Cultural exchanges and people-to-people connections also received a boost during the visit. Both leaders agreed on the importance of promoting tourism and expanding academic and cultural programs. With over 60,000 Indians residing in Nigeria, Modi expressed his gratitude for the warm hospitality his compatriots have enjoyed over the years. “Nigeria’s diversity mirrors India’s, and this diversity is our strength. Together, we can harness it to create a more prosperous future for our people,” Modi remarked.
The visit also highlighted Nigeria’s growing influence on the global stage. Prime Minister Modi applauded Nigeria’s leadership in Africa and its contributions to multilateral organizations. The two leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to reforming the United Nations Security Council and increasing representation for developing countries. Tinubu noted, “Our partnership with India extends beyond bilateral benefits; it is about shaping global narratives and ensuring the voices of the Global South are heard.”
As the visit concluded, both leaders expressed optimism about the outcomes. Memoranda of Understanding were signed on customs cooperation, cultural exchange programs, and infrastructure development, signaling a new phase of collaboration. Modi also announced 20 tonnes of humanitarian aid to support flood relief efforts in Nigeria, demonstrating solidarity during challenging times.
“This is a partnership rooted in history and driven by a shared vision for the future”, Tinubu said, reflecting on the significance of Modi’s visit. “India and Nigeria are united by common values and aspirations, and I am confident that together, we will achieve extraordinary things.”
At the end of the reception for Modi on Sunday, President Tinubu headed to Rio de Janeiro, the capital of Brazil to attend the 19th G20 Leaders’ Summit. Incidentally, Modi was heading for the same destination same Sunday.
The Summit was a platform for its incumbent Chairman, being the host leader, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, to float an initiative, which is focused on achieving a better and more human world; Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty. President Tinubu lauded the creation of the Alliance. In his words, this initiative is “a bold and visionary step” toward addressing some of the world’s most pressing issues, describing it as a “significant milestone” in global efforts to eradicate inequality and deprivation.
“This bold and visionary step underscores Brazil’s leadership in addressing one of the most urgent and persistent challenges facing our world today. By fostering collaboration between governments, international organisations, and civil society, this initiative offers a comprehensive approach not only to addressing immediate needs but also tackling the structural causes of hunger and poverty,” Tinubu said passionately.
His endorsement of the alliance aligns perfectly with its domestic priorities. Tinubu was quick to draw parallels between this global initiative and the eight priority areas outlined during his inauguration 18 months ago. “These goals are at the core of Nigeria’s development agenda, and the alliance offers a platform to accelerate progress towards them” he emphasized.
Nigeria’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly eradicating poverty (SDG 1) and achieving zero hunger (SDG 2), received a notable boost. Tinubu assured world leaders that Nigeria would leverage the best practices, innovative solutions, and financial support the alliance provides.
Beyond hunger and poverty, Tinubu championed the need for reform in the United Nations Security Council. He called on the G20 to push for Africa’s representation in this elite group, stating, “the Security Council should expand its permanent and non-permanent member categories to reflect the world’s diversity and plurality better. Africa deserves priority in this process, and two permanent seats should be allocated to it with equal rights and responsibilities. Nigeria stands ready and willing to serve as a representative of Africa in this capacity.”
On the sidelines of the G20 Summit, Tinubu met with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, where the discussion pivoted to Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms. Tinubu acknowledged the toll of these changes, particularly on the poor and vulnerable, but reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to cushioning the impact through targeted interventions.
“We have started seeing positive results from our reforms, and the Nigerian people now understand the need for them, but we have to reduce the hardship that has resulted from the implementation,” Tinubu told Georgieva.
Education, a critical component of Tinubu’s development agenda, also featured prominently in the discussions. “We have too many children out of school, and we know that education is a way out of hunger and poverty. That is why we are designing ways and incentives to keep these children in school, and we need your support for these kids who want to stay in school,” the president stressed.
Tinubu’s push for investment in infrastructure and his administration’s ongoing tax reforms aimed at expanding the economic base were also discussed. “We are engaging stakeholders and sensitizing Nigerians to expand the economy’s tax base for inclusive developmental growth. We are doing this without necessarily increasing the taxes on our people who have already given a lot. We will require your support on this,” he told the IMF boss.
With an eye on the bigger picture, Tinubu’s engagement with the IMF also highlighted Nigeria’s pivotal role in global economic dialogues. Georgieva’s acknowledgment of Nigeria’s leadership during the IMF African Caucus meeting in August was a testament to this.
Beyond Modi’s call and the G20 Summit outing, it was the week Mr. President sacked Nnamdi Azikiwe University’s Governing Council and Vice Chancellor in just one pronouncement, swapped leaderships at two other federal universities, infused order in his media team and lead his Livestock Development team to shop for Brazilian investment. It was a very eventful week, mostly dominated by his quest to place Nigeria properly in the heart of global order. We can only wait to see what this week will offer as he returns from Rio de Janeiro and prepares for another important engagement in France, all things being equal.
