Nigeria, India bolster strategic ties, eye growth in defence, trade, health sectors
By Kunle Sanni
Nigeria and India have reaffirmed their strategic partnership, focusing on deepening cooperation in defence, healthcare, food security, and economic development.
This renewed commitment was highlighted during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Nigeria, hosted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a joint statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, both nations outlined their shared vision for strengthening bilateral relations.
Following a ceremonial welcome that included a 21-gun salute at the Presidential Villa, President Tinubu and Prime Minister Modi engaged in one-on-one discussions before jointly presiding over expanded bilateral and political talks.
Defence and Security Cooperation
The leaders emphasized the importance of collaboration in counterterrorism, maritime security, and intelligence sharing. They expressed concern over growing threats in the Gulf of Guinea and the Indian Ocean, agreeing to coordinated actions to safeguard maritime trade routes and combat piracy.
Both nations committed to continuing regular naval exercises and joint anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Guinea. They reiterated their unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and called for a zero-tolerance approach to terror financing, safe havens, and cross-border terrorist movements.
Prime Minister Modi pledged India’s support for Nigeria’s defence modernization efforts, underscoring India’s reputation as a reliable defence manufacturer.
Economic Partnership
India remains Nigeria’s largest trading partner, with over 200 Indian companies contributing significantly to Nigeria’s economy through job creation and investments.
Both leaders tasked their teams with finalizing key agreements, including the Economic Cooperation Agreement (ECA), Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), and Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), to boost trade and investment.
The joint statement noted progress on investments pledged during the Nigeria-India Presidential Roundtable and Business Conference held on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi. Indian investors committed over $14 billion to Nigeria across industrialization, energy, telecommunications, and defence sectors.
Infrastructure and Energy Development
India reaffirmed its support for Nigeria’s development priorities, offering concessional lines of credit and technical expertise. In energy, both nations agreed on long-term crude oil and LNG supply contracts and enhanced cooperation in pipeline security, CNG conversion, and LPG distribution.
Agriculture and Food Security
Acknowledging the importance of food security for developing nations, the leaders agreed to collaborate on agricultural machinery, high-yield seeds, and technical expertise. Nigeria thanked India for its concessions during a recent rice supply crisis.
The two nations also committed to expanding collaboration in millet production, following India’s leadership in declaring 2023 as the International Year of Millets.
Healthcare Collaboration
Nigeria and India pledged to enhance healthcare ties, focusing on establishing hospitals, diagnostic centres, and innovative health management systems. India offered its CoWIN digital platform to improve vaccination programs and health data management in Nigeria.
Additionally, India committed to supplying high-quality generic pharmaceuticals at affordable rates under its PMBJP scheme, supporting Nigerian public hospitals and vulnerable populations.
Education and Cultural Exchange
The two leaders highlighted the longstanding cultural and educational ties between Nigeria and India. India’s scholarship programs, including the eVBAB virtual learning scheme, have significantly contributed to Nigeria’s human resource development. Both sides agreed to encourage more Nigerian students to benefit from these initiatives.
They also emphasized the importance of cultural exchanges, such as film festivals and academic collaborations, to deepen mutual understanding. Tourism was identified as a vital area for promoting people-to-people connections.
Global and Regional Cooperation
India commended Nigeria for its support in international organizations, including its bid for non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council for 2028-2029.
Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to UN Security Council reforms and pledged cooperation on regional peace and security, particularly in West Africa.
Nigeria expressed interest in joining the Global Biofuel Alliance and Global Rivers Cities Alliance, following India’s invitation. Both nations, as members of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), agreed to strengthen cooperation in renewable energy by establishing solar parks and increasing the share of renewables in their energy portfolios.
