India and Nigeria are two great nations that have forged and fostered for nearly 70 years of unbreakable friendship. India established its Diplomatic office in Lagos in November 1958, two years before Nigeria gained its independence on 01 October 1960 and both nations continues to enjoy excellent relations in all spheres of political, economic, trade, cultural and people-to-people ties. It is a desired and developmental ally to have and keep anytime and Nigeria is indeed blessed to have crossed path with this superpower and humanitarian promoting nation.
As “Strategic Partners” these two countries have a lot to offer to each other, as India is committedly contributing to the development goals and nation building realisations of Nigeria.
The high-level interactions between the leadership of the two countries are also reinforcing New Delhi and Abuja continued advancement. The very successful visit to India of President Tinubu to attend the G20 Summit in September 2023 and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reciprocity visit to Nigeria in November 2024 are testaments of this growing and invaluable relations.
It is also instructive to note that African Union becoming a permanent member of the Institutions at G20, was a proposal made and facilitated by distinguished Prime Minister Modi. This indeed is a welcome development, as that would bring the perspective and the requirements of the whole continent and global South to the decision-making process of G20.
With the inspiring and successful visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2024, efforts to steer the trade relations between India and Nigeria for shared growth and prosperity should continue unabated..
Towards this, the need for Nigeria and India to open new vistas in their trade and economic relationship becomes crucially imperative even now and this pursuit underscores the hosting of the maiden edition of India Trade Expo 2025 in Lagos.
The Expo which was held at the Landmark Events Center, Hall 2, Victoria Island, Lagos, on 19th and 20th March 2025 was indeed remarkable; as it aimed to bring together the Indian origin companies for renewed engagement with the Nigerian government, Chambers of Businesses and private businesses in Nigeria for shared prosperity and growth. The trade exhibition also further seeks to showcase these companies’ contribution to Nigeria overall economy growth and for mutual progress between the two countries.
As the fifth-largest country in terms of GDP in the world with the strives and motivations to be among the first three soon, Incredible India is always a priority consideration for economic and development partnership
India figures are amongst top 5 trading partners of Nigeria with the bilateral trade topping US $ 14.95 billion in the 2021-22. The South Asian giant is an important economic player in Nigeria with a presence of over 200 Indian origin companies, over 50, 000 Indian expatriates who have made Nigeria their home and the tremendous opportunities available in the trade synergy established. Strikingly too, after the Nigerian Federal Government, the Indian companies, combined, are the second largest employers in Nigeria, and the India government and people are also grateful to Nigeria for the hospitality and enabling environment provided for Indian businesses growth.
Ms Rawat fielding questions during the media briefing at Cilantro Restaurant in Lagos
Moreso, strengthening bilateral trade and economic ties towards harnessing opportunities created by the African Continent Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) is key as Indian companies focus on Africa in general and Nigeria in particular. As a prominent member of the Economic Community of West African States too, Nigeria is an important partner for India’s engagement with the ECOWAS region at large.
The Expo, a success in all ramifications, featured a variety of programmes including the Inauguration Ceremony, Panel Discussions and ‘Meet The Press Session’ on the 19th March 2025. A keynote lecture on the Nigeria-India Bilateral and Business Relationship Forum was held by Ms. Vartika Rawat, Charge d’Affairs of the High Commission of India, Abuja at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 1 Idowu Taylor Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, the following day.
Acting Ambassador Rawat poses for photograph with journalists during the media briefing.
During the media briefing and lunch time held at the Cilantro Restaurant, VI, Lagos, Acting High Commissioner Ms. Rawat, a quintessential and cerebral Envoy read a text speech and fielded questions on a wide range of issues bothering on the expo importance and ongoing efforts by the High Commision on bolstering India-Nigeria relations from a wide array of journalists and media houses present. Consul General Shri Chandramouli and his team were also on ground to ensure the 2-Day programme went smoothly.
LONG LIVE INDIA-NIGERIA RELATIONS
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