In News:

PM Modi receives Nigeria’s second-highest national award.

Key Events and Achievements

• Award Conferred:
  • Award Name: Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).
  • Significance: Nigeria’s second-highest national award, conferred on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
  • Historical Context: Modi becomes the second foreign dignitary to receive this award, after Queen Elizabeth in 1969.

Strategic and Developmental Ties Between India and Nigeria

• First Visit in 17 Years: Modi’s visit is the first by an Indian PM to Nigeria in 17 years, underscoring the significance of strengthening bilateral ties.
• Economic Cooperation:
  • Over 200 Indian companies have invested around $27 billion in Nigeria across key sectors, making India a major economic partner.
  • India has provided $100 million in development assistance through concessional loans and is actively involved in capacity-building training programs in Nigeria.
• MoUs Signed:
  • Three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed in the fields of:
    • Cultural Exchange.
    • Customs Cooperation.
    • Survey Cooperation.
• Relief Aid: Modi announced the dispatch of 20 tonnes of relief supplies to help Nigeria recover from the devastating floods that affected the country last month.

Diplomatic Discussions and Initiatives

• Strategic Partnership: Modi described the India-Nigeria partnership as one with immense potential in sectors like defence, energy, technology, trade, health, and education.
• Indian Expatriate Community: Modi acknowledged the 60,000-strong Indian diaspora in Nigeria, recognizing their role as a pillar of bilateral ties.
• Support for Africa:
  • Modi highlighted India’s support for the African Union’s membership in the G20, an outcome of the India-hosted G20 summit in 2023.
  • Nigeria’s Role: He noted Nigeria’s positive influence on Africa and its importance as a key partner in India’s Africa engagement.

Broader Implications for International Relations

• India-Nigeria Security Cooperation:
  • The National Security Advisors (NSA) of India and Nigeria held in-depth discussions on counter-terrorism, extremism, and cybersecurity challenges.
  • India and Nigeria are committed to jointly addressing global threats such as arms smuggling and international crime.
• India's Role as a Development Partner:
  • India’s growing role as a development partner for African nations is becoming increasingly important, exemplified by Nigeria’s close ties with India.
• Global Diplomacy and Soft Power:
  • Modi’s award and visit reflect India’s growing influence in Africa and its emphasis on fostering ties with resource-rich and strategically located nations like Nigeria.
  • The Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger is also a reflection of the soft power India is wielding globally.

Key Facts about Nigeria:

• Location: Nigeria is located in West Africa, bordering Niger, Chad, Cameroon, and Benin, with access to the Atlantic Ocean.
• Significance:
  • Known as the “Giant of Africa” due to its large population and economic power.
  • It has the largest economy in Africa, largely driven by its oil reserves.