NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Modi announced a 20-ton humanitarian aid package to assist relief efforts in flood-hit Nigeria, which claimed the lives of over 300 people.
He expressed condolences to Nigeria during his meeting with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja and said, “On behalf of 140 crore Indians, I express condolences over the loss of lives due to the flood in Nigeria last month. In support of relief works, India is sending 20 tons of humanitarian aid.”
Over 300 people dead after the flood hit Nigeria. This devastating flood had affected 1.2 million people in 33 states in Nigeria. Floods had displace tens of thousands of people in Kogi State in north-central Nigeria. Flash floods in Dikwa, Borno State, in the north-east impede humanitarian operations, according to the report released on October 23 by OCHA Nigeria.
India had previously dispatched 15 tons of humanitarian assistance to Nigeria to help address the flood crisis.
During his address, PM Modi thanked the Nigerian President for his dedication to enhancing the strategic partnership between both nations and noted significant achievements.
“I express gratitude for your personal commitment to strengthening strategic relations between India and Nigeria. I am happy that last year, under the chairmanship of India, Nigeria joined the G20 Summit for the first time as a guest country… It is delightful that Nigeria has been accorded the status of a partner country in BRICS. I congratulate Nigeria on this important achievement. According to me, this is a very historic,” PM Modi stated.
PM Modi highlighted that this visit marked the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria in 17 years, occurring at the start of his third term, PTI reported.
The Prime Minister emphasised the priority given to the strategic partnership with Nigeria, noting cooperation in defence, energy, economy, technology, health, education, and culture. He acknowledged the contribution of 60,000 Indian community members in Nigeria towards bilateral relations.
PM Modi expressed appreciation for receiving Nigeria’s National Honour, considering it recognition for India’s 140 crore citizens and the long-standing relationship between both countries.
Nigeria will present PM Modi with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), making him the second foreign recipient after Queen Elizabeth in 1969. This marks his 17th international honour from a foreign nation.
The visit forms part of PM Modi’s three-nation tour to Nigeria, Brazil and Guyana from November 17 to November 21, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation in various sectors.
The relationship between India and Nigeria has flourished since becoming strategic partners in 2007, with Indian companies investing over USD 27 billion across various Nigerian sectors.
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