A few days ago, a social media image stirred controversy by claiming that Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was not included in the invitation list for the G20 Summit in India. The image questioned that Nigerian President Tinubu’s visit to G20 despite being a non member country, should not have been visiting India for such an event. The misleading tweets were shared by accounts of those who are political opponents of the Nigerian President. One of the prominent accounts was of @JaypeeGeneral.
Nigeria is indeed not a G20 member, but the image in question featured only the leaders of G20 nations. Nigeria, on the other hand, received an invitation to attend the G20 Leader’s Summit 2023 as a guest country. Therefore, Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s absence in that particular image is entirely explainable – he wasn’t supposed to be there in the first place.
High-Level Diplomacy
Nigeria’s visit to India for the G20 Summit carries significance. In fact, Tinubu was the first foreign dignitary to arrive for the multi-lateral event. Minister of State for Health S.P. Singh Baghel received the Nigerian President at the IGI Airport. High-level deliberations were expected between the two nations during Tinubu’s visit, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic relations between India and Nigeria.
India has made substantial investment commitments to Nigeria, totalling $14 billion, spanning various sectors, including automobile manufacturing, steel, and petrochemical facilities. While China remains a significant lender to Nigeria, India’s approach is perceived as more equitable and less imposing. Nigeria trusts India as a partner that treats them as equals, in contrast to concerns about China’s political influence.
India’s Advocacy for the Global South
India has been a strong advocate for the Global South during its G20 presidency. The country has consistently voiced concerns and taken action to support developing nations. India’s commitment to the African Union becoming a full member of the G20 demonstrates its dedication to diversifying global voices and ensuring a more equitable representation on the global stage.
Deep-Rooted Bilateral Relations
India and Nigeria share warm and deep-rooted bilateral relations. Both nations, characterized by diverse populations and democratic values, have played pivotal roles in advancing the interests of the developing world in various international organizations, including the United Nations, G77, and NAM.
Nigeria, one of India’s largest trade partners in Africa, appreciates India’s efforts to include the African Union in the G20. This move is seen as a significant step forward for the African Union and will contribute to a more diverse and inclusive global stage. To learn more about Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu you could refer to an article by www.siasat.com, here [archive].
Conclusion
In conclusion, the claim that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presence in India for the G20 Summit was improper due to Nigeria’s non-membership is unfounded. Nigeria was a guest at the summit, and the visit signifies the strengthening of diplomatic ties between India and Nigeria. India’s commitment to the Global South and its investments in Nigeria exemplify the growing partnership between these two nations on the world stage. You can refer to the findings of this inquiry in the Twitter thread embedded below.
Claim: The President of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not seen in the invitation list neither Nigeria is a G20 member country but still visiting India.
Fact: President of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to G20 as an invitee country for the G20 Leader’s Summit 2023 as Nigeria is not a G20 member .
India’s G20 Presidency represents an opportunity for the nation to influence global economic agendas, strengthening its position on the world stage. The upcoming G20 Leaders Summit in New Delhi is poised to further this mission. This year, the G20 Leaders Summit 2023 is scheduled to be held in New Delhi, India on September 9th and 10th. The summit will be hosted at the state-of-the-art Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
Also Read: G-20 Summit 2023: Old Image Of Covered Houses From Mumbai Resurfaces as Recent From Delhi
