Abuja/New Delhi, Nov 17 (Reporter) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held productive discussions with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and said India accords very high priority to its strategic ties with Abuja. PM Modi was presented with Nigeria’s national honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), by President Bola Tinubu. In a post on X, after his talks with President Tinubu, PM Modi said: “Had a very productive discussion with President Tinubu. We talked about adding momentum to our strategic partnership. There is immense scope for ties to flourish even further in sectors like defence, energy, technology, trade, health, education and more.” Earlier, in his media statement during the talks with President Tinubu at the State House, PM Modi said that he is happy to be visiting Nigeria early in his third term in office. Referring to the torrential floods that hit Nigeria, PM Modi extended his condolences for the losses suffered, and said that India is sending 20 tonnes of humanitarian aid. He also thanked President Tinubu for his personal commitment towards strengthening of the strategic ties between the two nations. Referring to India’s hosting of the G20 last year, PM Modi said: “Last year under India’s presidency of the G20 we had the privilege of welcoming Nigeria as guest country to the bloc, and together we have got the African Union permanent membership of the G20.” “This is a historic achievement, I feel,” the PM added. He said it is also a matter of great happiness that Nigeria has been given the status of BRICS’ partner country, and he congratulated President Tinubu for giving Nigeria its place on the world stage. “We accord high priority to our strategic partnership with Nigeria, with our cooperation strong in the fields of security, energy, economic ties, technology, health, education, culture, and many other areas. There are many new avenues open to our partnership,” he said. He said the two nations have been working together to deal with the challenges of terrorism, extremism, separatism, piracy, drugs trafficking, and both sides will work with greater strength to tackle these issues. He said the over 60,000 Indian diaspora in Nigeria play a key role in the bilateral relations, and thanked President Tinubu for looking after their welfare. “I have full confidence that our talks today will add a new chapter to our relations and we will together highlight the voice of the Global South and our concerted efforts will bring it much success,” he said. He thanked President Tinubu for conferring upon him the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger and said this honour is not just for him but for the 140 crore Indians and is a mark of respect to the age old relations between the two nations. The MEA spokesperson in a post on X said: “Strengthening longstanding relations between the world’s largest democracy and Africa’s largest democracy. PM @narendramodi met with President @officialABAT of Nigeria today in Abuja. “The leaders discussed ways to further strengthen India-Nigeria Strategic partnership and enhance cooperation in trade, investment, education, energy, health, defence & security, culture and P2P ties. They also discussed global and regional issues. “Both leaders also witnessed the signing & exchange of MoUs on Cultural exchange program, Customs cooperation & Survey cooperation...////...