Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian President, is currently hosting Narendra Modi, the Indian Prime Minister, at the State House, Abuja.

Modi, who arrived in Abuja Saturday evening, was received at Forecourt of the State House by President Tinubu at about 10:20 am.

On arrival, the Indian leader was welcomed with the Indian Anthem, after which a Guard of Honour, mounted by a Brigade of Guards, rendered the Nigerian Anthem and led the visiting leader in inspection of the mounted parade.

A 21-gun salute followed the inspection of the mounted Guard of Honour.

While together, both leaders are expected to spare head a number of bilateral activities, including a restricted meeting, some delegation-level talks, as well as exchange of memoranda of understanding (MoU).

A statement issued on Saturday by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, had said both leaders would be seeking to strengthen the Nigerian-Indian ties during the visit.

“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 (MOUs) to enhance collaboration in critical sectors”, Onanuga said.

Modi’s visit to Nigeria will be the first by an Indian prime minister since Dr Manmohan Singh’s state visit in 2007 when the two nations established a strategic partnership.