Nigeria and India pledge to strengthen defence, trade, development ties

Nigeria and India have pledged to deepen their cooperation across a range of sectors, emphasizing defense, trade, development, and strategic partnerships. The commitment was made during a high-level meeting in Abuja between Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in Nigeria on Saturday. Modi’s visit is notable as he is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Nigeria in 17 years, underscoring the growing importance of their bilateral relations.

The two leaders discussed a new chapter in the strategic ties between the two nations, aiming to bolster collaboration in key areas including defense, energy, technology, trade, and development. In a joint statement, President Tinubu expressed appreciation for India’s long-standing support for Nigeria, acknowledging that the two countries have worked together on various fronts for decades. “You stood side by side with Nigeria on many fronts for many decades. You’ve navigated through India’s sectors and also ensured joint collaboration to maintain and strengthen our relationship,” Tinubu said.

A major focus of their talks was enhancing security cooperation, particularly in counter-terrorism, maritime security, and intelligence-sharing. Both countries agreed that these areas were critical given the rising security threats in their respective regions. The Gulf of Guinea, off the coast of West Africa, is one of the world’s most perilous areas for piracy, while the Indian Ocean has seen growing security concerns related to maritime threats. The two leaders emphasized the need for joint efforts to combat these challenges, which have implications for regional stability and global trade.

In addition to security, trade remains a central pillar of the Nigeria-India relationship. Nigeria is India’s largest trading partner in Africa, with bilateral trade estimated at $14.9 billion in 2022. The two countries have a strong trade history, particularly in areas such as energy and natural resources. Nigeria’s oil exports to India are a significant part of the trade volume, while India also exports pharmaceuticals, machinery, and other goods to Nigeria.

Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s commitment to enhancing the strategic partnership, saying that the two countries already have robust cooperation across multiple sectors. “We have a strong cooperation in several sectors such as defense, energy, economy, technology, health, education, and culture,” he remarked. “Our cooperation is very strong, and there are many new possibilities as well.”

Furthermore, both countries expressed a shared commitment to supporting the Global South, which refers to the developing nations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Nigeria, as a key player in Africa, and India, the world’s most populous democracy, are both seen as vital actors in advocating for the interests of the Global South, particularly in the context of global trade, development, and climate change discussions.

During the visit, President Tinubu conferred upon Modi the prestigious title of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), Nigeria’s second-highest national honor, recognizing the Indian leader’s contribution to strengthening ties between the two countries. This gesture was a symbol of the growing diplomatic warmth between Nigeria and India, reflecting their mutual respect and shared goals for the future.

A significant area of focus for Nigeria is attracting Indian investment, particularly in sectors that could spur economic growth and job creation. Nigerian officials are hopeful that Indian companies, many of which already operate in Nigeria, will invest more in the country’s infrastructure, technology, and energy sectors. There are currently around 60,000 Indian nationals living in Nigeria, and over 200 Indian companies operating there. Modi’s visit is seen as an opportunity to further encourage Indian businesses to explore more investment opportunities in Nigeria, which is looking to diversify its economy beyond oil.

In return, Nigeria is seeking access to more affordable lines of credit and financial support from India to boost its economic development. The Nigerian government is also keen on strengthening educational and healthcare collaborations with India, leveraging India’s expertise in these areas to enhance its own infrastructure and services.

Overall, the visit marked a significant step in reinforcing the ties between India and Nigeria, with both nations emphasizing the potential for deeper collaboration in addressing regional and global challenges. As both countries look to the future, their growing relationship holds promise for advancing shared goals in security, trade, and development. The visit has laid the groundwork for a more strategic, multifaceted partnership, which is expected to yield tangible benefits for both nations in the years ahead.

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