First Ever Visit Of An Indian Defence Minister To Nigeria: Rajnath Singh To Attend Nigerian President-Elect's Swearing-In

In a significant development, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Nigeria between 28-30 May to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the President-elect of the West African nation, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

Singh's official trip to the West African Nation gains significance as this will be the "first-ever visit of an Indian Defence Minister to Nigeria", according to a Defence Ministry statement on Saturday (27 May).

During his visit to Nigeria, Singh will meet the outgoing Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari during a reception hosted by him on 28 May.

He will attend the swearing-in ceremony of Nigerian President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu at Eagle Square in Abuja on 29 May.

Singh's visit will be an important landmark in building the strong bonds of friendship between the two countries, the Defence Ministry said.

"Considering the growing defence cooperation between India & Nigeria, senior officers of Ministry of Defence and top leadership of important Defence PSUs will accompany Rajnath Singh," it added.

They will hold meetings with the representatives from the Nigerian industry and the Armed Forces to identify the equipment and platforms, through which the Indian defence industry can support the country’s requirements, the ministry said.

Further, Nigeria is home to an estimated 50,000 members of the Indian community.

During his visit, Singh will also address the Indian diaspora at Abuja.