India has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening strategic and economic relations with Nigeria, signalling a renewed push for collaboration across critical sectors such as trade, energy, defence, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and technology.

The pledge was made in Abuja during India’s 77th Republic Day celebration, where the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Abhishek Singh, outlined India’s development progress and its growing partnership with Nigeria. According to him, both nations are aligned by shared democratic values, youthful populations, and a common belief in South–South cooperation as a pathway to sustainable growth.

Singh disclosed that Indian investments in Nigeria have reached nearly $27 billion, spanning industries including telecommunications, healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, energy, defence, and information technology. He described India as a committed development partner determined to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s long-term economic progress.

Highlighting India’s recent economic performance, the envoy pointed to the country’s 7.4 per cent growth rate, digital public infrastructure expansion, and manufacturing advancements as proof of its readiness to support global partnerships. He noted that India has transitioned from a country of untapped potential to one delivering tangible outcomes for millions of people.

India’s success in digital platforms, healthcare delivery, and industrial production, he added, has positioned the country as a reliable and forward-looking global partner. Drawing parallels between both nations, Singh emphasized that Nigeria and India are multi-ethnic, multi-religious democracies navigating similar development aspirations.

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, echoed these sentiments, describing the bilateral relationship as deeply rooted in shared history, democratic ideals, and mutual resilience. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s willingness to expand cooperation with India across multiple fronts.

Culture and Tourism Minister Hannatu Musawa underscored the importance of cultural diplomacy, particularly through creative industries such as film. She noted that Nollywood and Bollywood serve as powerful tools for people-to-people engagement, storytelling, and mutual understanding, adding that Nigeria is open to deeper cultural exchanges.

On the economic front, Deputy Finance Minister Doris Uzoka-Anite highlighted the impact of Indian enterprises on Nigeria’s economy, citing contributions to job creation, skills development, and economic diversification across sectors like healthcare, agriculture, IT, manufacturing, and defence.

Stakeholders on both sides believe the India–Nigeria partnership holds vast potential; one driven not just by diplomacy, but by shared ambition, innovation, and inclusive growth.

Source & Credit: NAN