India-Nigeria Relations

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INDIA-NIGERIA BILATERAL RELATIONS

OVERALL, RELATIONS:

1. India and Nigeria enjoy warm, friendly, and deep-rooted bilateral relations. India, with a population of 1.3 billion, and Nigeria, over 190 million, are large developing and democratic countries with multi-religious, multi-ethnic, and multi-lingual societies. India as the largest democracy in the world and Nigeria as the largest in Africa, become natural partners.
2. The struggle against colonialism and apartheid in the formative years after independence of the two countries laid strong foundation for the engagement of the two countries. India and Nigeria are playing an important role in the South-South Cooperation. In the multilateral organisations particularly United Nations, G77 and NAM, both countries have been articulating the voice of the developing world in a coordinated and effective manner.
3. India established its Diplomatic House in Lagos in November 1958, two years before Nigeria became independent in 1960. Political contacts at the highest level were maintained during the last 60 years.
4. In Oct 2007 Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India visited Nigeria. During this visit both countries raised the status of bilateral relationship to a “Strategic Partnership’. Our diplomatic relations have transformed from “Historical Friendship” to “Strategic Partners”. 
5. The presence of a large Indian expatriate community of about 50,000, the largest in West Africa adds value to the importance of the long-standing relationship between the two countries.

BILATERAL VISITS

1. India’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s landmark visit to Nigeria in September 1962 and his interaction with Nigeria’s first Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa had created mutual goodwill, respect, and friendship between the two countries and leaders. Two Nigerian Presidents visited India as the Chief Guests at India’s Republic Day i.e. in 1983 by President Shehu Shagari and in 2000 at India’s 50th Republic Day celebrations by President Olusegun Obasanjo. Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee visited Abuja in December 2003 to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit.
2. Nigerian leadership regularly visited India –with President Obasanjo in November 2004, Vice President Goodluck Jonathan (who later served as President from 2011-2015) in November 2007 and to the first India-Africa Forum Summit held in New Delhi in April 2008. During the historic State visit to Nigeria by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in October 2007, India and Nigeria adopted the Abuja Declaration for Strategic Partnership, which gave a new impetus to our bilateral ties.
3. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari visited New Delhi in October 2015 to participate in the Third India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-III) The meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with President Buhari enabled the two countries to review the bilateral engagement, and to chart a path for further enhancement of the bilateral engagement.
4. The visit of Indian Vice President Hamid Ansari to Nigeria from 26 to 29 September 2016 and his meetings with Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo provided yet another opportunity to further deepen the bilateral cooperation.
5. Both countries have nurtured the relationship through periodic interactions. Important bilateral visits at the level of Heads of State or Government are given in the table below.

RECENT VISITS AT MINISTERIAL LEVEL:
India to Nigeria

1. Visit of the Minister of State for External Affairs Shri M.J.Akbar and Minister of State for Commerce & Industry Shri C.R. Chaudhary to Nigeria (October 2018): The Minister of State for External Affairs Shri M.J.Akbar and Minister of State for Commerce & Industry Shri C.R. Chaudhary along with senior officials represented the official delegation from India to participate in the first-ever CII and EXIM Bank Regional Conclave on India and West Africa with the theme ‘Project Partnership’ that was organised on 8-9 October 2018 in Abuja (Nigeria) with the support of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.  H.E. Prof Yemi Osinbajo, Vice President of Nigeria received the two Ministers of State from India as well as an eight-member CII-delegation led by Shri Rajesh Sharma.Nigerian Foreign Minister Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama received Minister of State for External Affairs on 9 October in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
2. Visit of Minister of State for External Affairs Shri V. Muraleedharan to Nigeria (11-13 June 2019): In his first visit abroad as the Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri V. Muraleedharan visited Nigeria from 11-13 June 2019 to attend the Democracy Day celebrations of Nigeria on 12 June 2019, representing the Prime Minister of India.  MoS also called on Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. MoS also held a brief exchange with President Buhari, at the State Luncheon in honour of visiting dignitaries, after the democracy day celebrations. 
3. Visit of Minister of State for External Affairs Shri V. Muraleedharan to Nigeria (22-23 August 2022): The Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri V. Muraleedharan visited Nigeria from 22-23 August 2022 to attend the inaugural event of Nigeria-India Business Council (NIBC).  During the visit, MoS paid a courtesy call on President Muhammadu Buhari, and met the Foreign Minister of Nigeria, H.E. Geoffrey Onyeama and Minister of Defence, Maj. Gen. Bashir Magashi (Rtd), apart from interacting with Indian community. During the visit, MoS delivered a keynote address at the inaugural meeting of recently launched Nigeria-India Business Council (NIBC) along with Trade & Investment Minister Mr. Otunba Richard Niyi Adebayo, Minister of Power Engr. Abubakar D. Aliyu, Minister for Mines & Steel Development Dr. Olamilekan Adegbite, Governor of Kano State Mr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, MoS for Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria Amb. Zubairu Dada.

Nigeria to India:

1. Visit of Nigerian Minister of State for Power, Works, and Housing to India (January 2018): Mr. Suleiman Hassan Zarma, Nigerian Minister of State for Power, Works and Housing, visited India to attend an international workshop on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (DRI) from 15-16 January 2018 in New Delhi, at the invitation of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). He also met Minister of Home Affairs Rajnath Singh and MoS (IC) R.K. Singh for Power and New and Renewable Energy on 16 January 2018.
2. Visit of Nigerian Minister of Communications to India (February 2018) : Nigerian Minister of Communications Barr Abdur-Raheem Adebayo Shittu visited India on 22 February 2018 and met India’s Minister of Communications MrManoj Sinha in New Delhi on the sidelines of International Expo of Telecom Equipment and Services Export Promotion Council (TEPC).
3. Nigeria’s participation in the Founding Conference of the International Solar alliance (ISA) (March 2018) : A Nigerian delegation led by Mustapha Baba Shehuri. Minister of State of Power, Works and Housing of Nigeria and Mr. Ibrahim Usman Jibril, Minister of State for Environment visited India from 10-03-2018 to 14-03- 2018 to participate in the Founding Conference of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Solar Summit in New Delhi on 11 March 2018.
4. Visit of Nigerian Minister of Transportation to India (March 2018): Mr Chibuike Amaechi, Minister of Transportation participated in the 13th edition of CII-EXIM Bank Conclave on “India Africa Project Partnership”, held from 25- 27 March 2018 in New Delhi.
5. Visit of Nigeria’s Health Minister to India (March 2018 & May 2018): Nigeria’s Health Minister Prof Isaac Adewole visited India in March 2018 to participate in the End-TB Summit and met with India’s Minister of Health & Family Welfare J.P. Nadda in New Delhi on 13 March 2018, on the sidelines of the End-TB Summit. He again visited India in May 2018 to participate in the 4th India-Africa Health Forum, which was organized as part of the Global Exhibition on Services (GES) held from 15-18 May 2018.
6. Visit of Nigerian Minister of Water Resources to India (September/October 2018): Hon’ble Minister of Water Resources of Nigeria, H.E. Mr. Suleiman H Adamu accompanied by Mr. Emmanuel Awe, Director, Water Resources Quality Control and Sanitation from Ministry of Water and Sanitation visited India to participate in the Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention’ (MGISC), that was organized by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Government of India in New Delhi from 29 September to 02 October 2018.
7. Visit of Nigerian Minister of State (Aviation) to India (14-15 January 2019): H.E. Senator Hadi Abubakar Sirika, Hon’ble Minister of State (Aviation) of Nigeria visited India from 14-15 January 2019 to attend the Global Aviation Summit, that was held in Mumbai, India on 15 January 2019. On the sidelines of the summit, Senator Hadi Abubakar Sirika met with H.E. Mr. Suresh Prabhu, Hon’ble Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation of India. A Revised Bilateral Air services Agreement was signed between the two countries.
8. CII-Exim Bank Conclave (March 2019): Hon’ble Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment of Nigeria H.E. Dr. Enelemah Okachukwu, Hon’ble Minister of State for Power, Works & Housing H.E. Mustapha Baba Shehuri and Governor of Ekiti State H.E. Mr. John Olukayode Fayemi participated in the 14th CII-EXIM Bank Conclave on India-Africa Partnership, that was held in New Delhi from 17-19 March 2019.
9. Visit of Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs to India (April 2022) : Foreign Minister of Nigeria H.E. Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama visited India in April 2022 to attend Raisina Dialogue 2022. On 24 April 2022, he met EAM, Dr. S. Jaishankar in New Delhi on the sidelines of Raisina Dialogue 2022. Both agreed to expand development partnership focusing on health, infrastructure, education, agriculture, and capacity building. They also discussed how to increase trade & Investment.
10. Visit of Nigerian Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment to India (July 2022):  H.E Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Nigeria visited India from 19-20 July 2022 to participate in 17th CII EXIM Bank Conclave on India-Africa Growth partnership, that was held in New Delhi.
11. 90th Interpol General Assembly (Oct 2022): IGP, Nigerian Police Service; Chairman, EFCC; Chairman, ICPC and Minister of Police Affairs visited India to attend 90th Interpol General Assembly from 18-21 Oct 2022.
12. Visit of Nigerian Minister of Interior to India (November 2022): Nigerian Minister of Federal Ministry of Interior H.E. Mr. Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola visited India from 18-19 Nov 2022 to attend Conference on Counter Terrorism Financing “No Money for Terror” (NMFT). During this visit he met Hon’ble Home Minister of India.
13. Visit of NDLA Delegation : From 6-7 Dec 2022, delegation led by Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), Chairman, NDLEA traveled to India and held bilateral discussion with NCB. 

INSTITUTIONAL DIALOGUES

1. Foreign Office Consultations (FOC): The first round of India-Nigeria Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) was held in Abuja in December 2003 on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Summit. The 2nd FoC was held in New Delhi on 29 Sep 2022. The Nigerian delegation was led by H.E. Mr. Gabriel Aduda, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria and Indian delegation was led by Secretary (ER), Shri Dammu Ravi.
2. Joint Commission Meeting (JCM): The Joint Commission was set up between the two countries in 1979. The First meeting was held in 1981. The second meeting was in August 1989 in New Delhi. The third Joint Commission mechanism between India and Nigeria was held when EAM Shri Jaswant Singh visited Nigeria. The fourth meeting was held in New Delhi in October 2003. The fifth meeting was held in New Delhi in March 2011. The next JCM is expected to be held soon in Abuja.
3. Consular dialogue: The first round of Consular dialogue between India and Nigeria, co-chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Nigerian MFA and Additional Secretary (CPV) of MEA, was held in New Delhi in September 2019. A 9-member Nigerian delegation led by Permanent Secretary of the Nigerian MFA, Amb. Mustapha L.Sulaiman visited India from 09-10 September 2019 for the first round of Consular dialogue.
4. Joint Trade Committee (JTC): India and Nigeria have agreed in 2017 to establish a Joint Trade Committee (JTC) at the level of Commerce Secretary from Indian side and Permanent Secretary (Trade) from Nigerian side to review he ongoing bilateral trade and commercial relations. The first JTC was held in December 2019 in New Delhi.

DEFENCE RELATIONS

1. The Defence Cooperation between the Armed Forces of India and Nigeria has been nurtured over a period and military interactions began right earnest after Nigeria’s independence in 1960. India helped set up various military institutions including the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) at Kaduna, the Naval College at Port Harcourt besides other elite military training establishments in Nigeria. Several Nigerian officers have also been trained over the years in Indian military institutions. These include former Nigerian Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Ibrahim Babangida and several other top military officers. The incumbent President Muhammudu Buhari also attended the prestigious Defence Services Staff Course (DSSC) at Wellington in 1970s.
2. After signing a bilateral MoU on Defence Cooperation in October 2007, visits at high-level took place and bilateral interaction for defence cooperation has increased over the years. The Armed forces of both the nations have attended military training together, exchange programmes and served in UN Peace Keeping Operations. These exchanges have assisted in strengthening cooperation not only within the Armed forces but also between both the countries. Defence Cooperation is an integral to the strategic partnership between India and Nigeria.
3. Among the areas of cooperation include counter terrorism and counterinsurgency (CT/CI), sea piracy and exchange of visits between training institutes. The first meeting of the Joint Defence Coordination Committee (JDCC) was held in New Delhi in April 2013. The fifth JDCC was held in New Delhi from 17-18 January 2019.  The JDCC explores avenues to enhance the bilateral Defence Cooperation.
4. NSA Visit (March 2021): Nigerian delegation led by National Security Adviser of Nigeria Major General (Retd.) Babagana Monguno visited New Delhi for the First Strategic and Counter-Terrorism Dialogue between India and Nigeria at the level of NSA from March 4-5, 2021.
5. In April 2021, MoU between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Nigerian Army for conduct of the flying training of 1st batch of 06x Nigerian Army Aviation pilots was signed virtually and the training commenced in July 2021.
6. In September 2021, Scoping delegation led by Lt. General V.G. Khandare (Retd), Military Adviser, National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) visited Nigeria.
7. In June 2022, a 17-member team from the National Defence College (NDC), India visited Abuja and Lagos in Jun 2022. In addition, at the same time in June, a 27 members delegation from National Defence College (NDC), Nigeria visited India.
8. In August 2022, a 12-member delegation from NYSC, Nigeria visited India as a part of 75th Independence Day celebration under the cultural exchange programme, to showcase culture and heritage of Nigeria.
9. In September 2022, Indian Naval Ship, INS Tarkash visited Lagos, Nigeria to conduct first ever anti-piracy operation in the Gulf of Guinea.

TRADE AND INVESTMENT RELATIONS

1. India is one of the largest trading partners of Nigeria and Nigeria is India’s largest trading partner in Africa with the bilateral trade touching US $ 11.948 billion in the 2021-22. Indian owned/operated companies are the 2nd largest employer in Nigeria after the Federal Republic of Nigeria. More than 135 Indian companies are currently operating in Nigeria in diverse fields such as pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, electrical machinery and equipment, plastics, chemicals, etc. Some of the major companies include Bharti Airtel, Tata, Bajaj Auto, Birla Group, Kirloskar, Mahindra, Ashok Leyland, Skipper, Godrej, Simba Group, NIIT, Aptech, New India Assurance, Bhushan Steel, KEC, Dabur, etc.
2. Despite understandable fall in Crude Oil imports by India last year due to Covid-19 pandemic, bilateral trade has again risen strongly from USD 8.8 billion in 2020-21 to USD 14.95 billion in the year 2021-22. 
3. India-Nigeria Bilateral Trade Statistics (Value in US $ million)

Source: DGCIS India
RECENT BUSINESS EVENTS OF INTEREST

1. CII- EXIM India-West Africa Regional Conclave (October 2018): Shri M.J. Akbar, Minister of State for External Affairs of India and Shri C.R. Chaudhary, Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce & Industry along with senior officials represented the official delegation from India to participate in the first-ever CII and EXIM Bank Regional Conclave on India and West Africa with the theme ‘Project Partnership’ that was organised on 8-9 October 2018 in Abuja (Nigeria) with the support of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. A 70-member Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)-led business delegation under the leadership of Mr. Rajesh Sharma, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of ION Exchange, attended the Regional Conclave.   The conclave, in which over 300 Indian and African industry leaders and CEOs participated, culminated in a roadmap and a multi-pronged action plan for intensifying and deepening economic partnership between India and 15 countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
2. IGF Expo 2018 (Nov 2018): India’s Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) along with 9 Indian Companies participated at the 3rd IGF Expo 2018, that was held in Lagos from 13-15 November 2018. The expo is a B2B trade show for interiors, housewares, gifts, textiles, and fashion showcasing thousands of new designs. EPCH Chairman led the delegation to have a first-hand knowledge of the market. A total of 70 exhibitors participated mainly from Turkey, Nigeria and India. 
3. Air Services (Jan 2019): There are no direct air services between India and Nigeria.  A Revised Bilateral Air Services Agreement was signed between the two countries in January 2019. Efforts are ongoing to push for starting of regular direct flights between India and Nigeria.  During Covid-19 pandemic, Our Ministry of Civil Aviation had approved an Air Transport/Bubble arrangement with Nigeria in September 2020. Air Peace Airlines is the designated carrier of Nigeria and is likely to commence flights soon.
4. IPHEX (March 2019): High Commissioner Shri Abhay Thakur and DG NAFDAC inaugurated the IPHEX exhibition by Pharmexcil in Lagos on 14 March 2019. Chairman Leadership Group Mr. Sam Nda Isaiah and IPMIN President Mr. Varkey Varghese joined them. 53 Indian pharmaceutical companies have participated in this two-day event.
5. Nigeria Pharma Manufacturing Expo (Aug 2019): Earlier, during 28-29 August 2019, 50 Indian companies, 38 from EEPC India, participated in the Nigeria Pharma Manufacturing Expo, organised by PMG-MAN (Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of Manufacturing Association of Nigeria), inaugurated by MoS (Heath) Dr. Adeleke Mamora, DG NAFDAC, High Commissioner and other dignitaries. India with USD 650 million (FY 2018-19) machinery exports growing @50%, and seven Indian pharma manufacturing units in Nigeria, is a natural partner in Nigeria’s localization efforts.
6. During EEPC’s FARMMECH-II EXPO from 8-10 February 2021, High Commission organised business meetings between Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC) India’s second Agricultural Machinery and Farm equipment Virtual exhibition showcasing the capability of the Indian agricultural machinery and farm industry focusing on African region. The three-day virtual Show witnessed around 203 Visitors, 46 Buyer Seller Meetings on our online Expo-platform and 2,695 cumulative exhibitor and visitor actions majorly with the buyers from Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya. The event saw overwhelming response from buyers from Nigeria with more than 80% buyers registering from the country.
7. Abuja International Trade Fair (October 2021) was held from 30th September to 9th October 2021 with the theme “Exploring Opportunities of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)” in which High Commission facilitated participation of over 8 Indian companies including TVS/Simba, Bajaj/DAG, Mahindra, Royal Ceramics, Vista Intl, Sairaj Tech, Springfield, Alzico/Vita and Whitfield. At its inauguration day on 4th October 2021 High Commissioner highlighted the resilience of India’s trade-economic ties with Nigeria despite the pandemic. In the 42nd Kaduna Intl Trade Fair, held from 28th May 2021 to 6th June 2021, the High Commission facilitated participation of 6 Indian companies including Bajaj, Royal Ceramics and Sona Group. Deputy High Commissioner and Head of Chancery, OHCI Lagos participated in the inaugural session.
8. FIEO’s participation in PowerElec Nigeria at Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos from 28 to 30 March 2022: FIEO organized the participation of Indian companies in Power Elec Nigeria at Lagos, Nigeria from 28-30 March, 2022. Mr. Rachit Rawat, inaugurated the India Pavilion & conveyed best wishes to all participating Indian companies. Around 30 Indian companies have participated in the event representing Power Transmission, Generation, Distribution, Electricals & Electronics and allied products. The event had great support from Lagos authorities & businesses across Lagos metropolis and Nigeria at large.
9. Nigeria India Business Forum (NIBF) meeting in New Delhi at ITC Maurya Hotel Chanakyapuri New Delhi on 28th April, 2022. The event was graced by Hon’ble minister of foreign affairs of Nigeria H.E. Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama. H.E. Ambassador Mr. Ahmed Sule of Nigeria welcomed the guests and Indian industrialists on this occasion and briefed about the present scenario of positive industrial climate in Nigeria. Ms. Rekha Sharma MSME advisor and Secretary General of newly inaugurated Nigeria India business Council addressed the meeting and briefed about the purpose of launching of Nigeria India business Council.
10. Nigeria-India Virtual Business to Business Meeting Between LCCI and APEDA on Wheat Held on Tuesday, May 10th, 2022:  The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with India High Commission in Abuja and the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Export Development Authority of India hosted the Nigeria-India Business-to-business meeting on Wheat on Tuesday, May 10, 2022. The meeting which was held on the Zoom platform had 75 participants in attendance. The Meeting was successful and of great impact as the suppliers gave a presentation on their individual produce in India. The Nigerian participants interacted with the suppliers for a better understanding of wheat produced in India, as well as its quality, and further discussions, have commenced as the E-Catalogue which was presented during the meeting has been sent to all participants from Nigeria. The Nigerian importers have been made to understand that the suppliers are verified and can be trusted for business transactions.
11. India-Nigeria Business Council (NIBC) (Aug 2022): Hon'ble MoS for External Affairs Shri V. Muraleedharan participated at the inaugural session of the India-Nigeria Business Council meeting (NIBC) which took place in Abuja from 22 -23 August 2022. Hon'ble MoS marshaled out India - Nigeria close and friendly relations which are deep-rooted and multifaceted and how both countries have maintained close contacts and supported each other in their fight against the pandemic. MoS furthered the momentum by high-level exchanges and strengthened cooperation with Nigeria, bilaterally and in the multilateral fora. Those who attended include Industry Minister H.E. Otunba Adeniyi, Minister of Power H.E Abubakar Aliyu, Minister of Mines & Steel H.E. Olamilekan Adegbite, MoS Foreign Affairs H.E. Zubairu Dada were present.
12. Pharmexcil’s 8TH International Pharmaceutical Exhibition (IPHEX) & Global Regulators Conclave (GRC) titled International Regulatory Convergence to promote Accessibility and Affordability of Quality Medicines from 21 – 23 September 2022 at the India Expo Centre, Greater Noida, Delhi: Pharmexcil in partnership with Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), National Drug Regulatory Authority of India (NDRAI) and the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India organised its 8th International Pharmaceutical Exhibition & Global Regulators Conclave (GRC) titled International Regulatory Convergence to promote Accessibility and Affordability of Quality Medicines from 21 – 23 September 2022 at the India Expo Centre, Greater Noida, Delhi. The event had in participation 80 plus government officials from 50 countries across the world representing Regulators & Procurement Agencies, senior officials from CDSCO & State Drugs Controllers of India actively participated at the various sessions planned in the conclave on how to achieve common goal of Mutual Recognition for facilitated access of medicines to global population which was first of its kind.  Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, DG-NAFDAC, Nigeria made a presentation and spoke on “Accessibility, Affordability & Equitable distribution for COVID-19 Vaccines & Therapeutics” and briefly discussed about the importance of recognising the Indian Pharmacopoeia by Nigeria. Valuable insights & interaction with key pharma stakeholders from across the world discussed widely on providing credible, affordable and sustainable healthcare services globally.
13. 17th Abuja International Trade Fair from 30th September to 9th October 2022 at ACCI Abuja International Trade Fair Complex: High Commissioner attended the inaugural ceremony on 4th October 2022 and highlighted the scope of bilateral trade relations. Also present at the inaugural ceremony was the Minister of Trade and Investment, H.E. Mr Richard Adeniyi Adebayo, Minister of FCT, H.E. Malam Mohammed Bello, Minister of Power, Mr. Abubakar Aliyu and Minister of Health, H.E. Dr. Osagie Ehanire, attended the event.
14. 7th Global Ayurveda Day at the High Commission of India, Abuja on 23rd October 2022: The High Commission celebrated the 7th Global Ayurveda Day this year as part of our AKAM or India@75 celebrations, to mark 75 years of Indian Independence from Colonial rule.  with participation from the Federal Ministry of Health, NAFDAC Agency and major hospitals across Abuja Metropolises. Discussions surrounding India and Nigeria’s cooperation in the field of traditional medicine. HC mentioned, that the Department of Traditional Complementary and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) under the Nigerian Ministry of Health is regularly interacting with counterparts on the Indian side and thanked the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC) for their support and recognition and promotion of Nigeria's traditional medicine.   
15. VIRTUAL EVENTS: Due to the Covid 19 pandemic in 2020, and consequent travel restrictions, over 30 Indo-Nigerian business events and B2B sessions were organized online and a few of the most notable events held by major Indian business chambers or having Ministerial participation from Nigeria till October 2021 are given below:
16. NASSCOM’s Nigeria–India Partnership Towards a Structured ICT Market and Digital Economy was organised by the Mission on 11th of February 2021 between NASSCOM and Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI). The event had participation of about 35+ companies from India and Nigeria. The program provided a comprehensive overview on the tech landscape of three countries, sectoral overview and specific opportunities in Banking, Healthcare, Education, how to set-up, operate and do business, peer learning, handholding and guidance on Govt related schemes & supporting eco-system. 
17. Pharmexcil’s Pharmaceutical Business Meet was organised by the Mission on 15th February 2021 between India’s premier Pharma export agency Pharmexcil, Lagos Chamber of Commerce, Abuja Chamber of Commerce, Indian Pharmaceuticals Manufacturers and Importers in Nigeria (IPMIN) to evolve strategies to promote India-Nigerian cooperation in the health and pharma sector. in Nigeria’. The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Ms. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, Director General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) who spoke on “The Nigerian Pharmaceutical Sector, priorities and partners and updates on the latest drug registration procedures of NAFDAC”. Over 65 companies from India and over 30 companies from Nigeria participated. The event also included a B2B session which is expected to further opportunities for the growth of health /pharma cooperation between both countries. 
18. 16th CII-EXIM Bank Conclave on India - Africa Project Partnership was held from 13 – 15 July 2021 in which H.E Nigerian Minister of Industry Trade and Investment, H.E. Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo spoke at the Special Ministerial session titled – “Defragmenting & broad basing India-Africa bilateral trade”. Dr S Jaishankar, Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs and Mr. Piyush Goyal, Hon'ble Minister of Railways, Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India addressed the Inaugural Session on the 13 July 2021. The 16th edition of the conclave focused on the key areas of cooperation including Agriculture & Food Processing, Power and Energy, Infrastructure, Finance, IT/ITES/ ICT, Healthcare & Pharmaceutical amongst others. The Conclave also discussed developments in AfCFTA and trilateral partnerships for strengthening India Africa economic relations.
19. CLE’s Indo-Nigeria Virtual B2B Meet in the Footwear and Leather Sector was organised by the Mission on 5th August 2021 between Indian Council of Leather Exports (CLE) and Abuja Chamber of Commerce & Industry, (ACCI). More than 20 Nigerian companies participated in the event which helped to enhance cooperation in the leather sector.
20. EEPC’S Virtual – India Electricity Expo 2021 was organised from 27 – 30 September 2021 by the Mission between Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC) and Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) buyers. The event saw participation from 50 Indian exhibitors and 180 overseas buyers. Approximately 60 companies from Nigeria participated in the B2B meetings. 
21. ICC Kolkata organized’ Start Up Week’ from 4- 9 October 2021 in which country session on Nigeria was held on 7th October 2021.  The Nigerian Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, H.E. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami (Prof of Cybersecurity) participated virtually from the premises of the High Commission. During the event, an MOU was proposed between the National Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), under the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy (Nigeria) and the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Kolkata (India.)
22. FIEO’s Interactive VC Session on ‘Trade and Investment Opportunities between India and Nigeria -Post COVID-19’ was organized by Indian Professionals Forum (IPF) and OHCI Lagos on 12th October 2021 with participation from Lagos Chamber (LCCI), Lagos Free Zone (LFZ) and Owerri Chamber.  Over 140 companies from both countries attended the event.
23. Virtual ICC Kolkata, LCCI Lagos and Ministry of External Affairs Curtain Raiser for 2nd Edition of ICC Power and Electrical Equipment Fair on 16th February 2022: Mission highlighted the opportunities and areas of collaborations in the power sector; stating that there are tremendous openings for Indian companies to invest in the Nigerian power sector especially in solar energy and renewable energy as Nigeria only uses thermal and bio energy sources. A B2B meeting was later held between Indian buyers from ICC Kolkata and Nigerian importers from LCCI.
24. Virtual Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) and LCCI Lagos B2B Meet on Seafood in Feb 16, 2022: Mission facilitated an India-Nigeria B2B meeting on Seafood held on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 between MPEDA and Lagos Chamber of Commerce on virtual mode. More than 60 buyers and exhibitors participated at the B2B meetings and business opportunities in the seafood industry were discussed.
25. FIEO’s virtual Manufacturing Africa Virtual Expo from 22-24 March 2022: Mission highlighted the opportunities in many areas including Electricals & electronic hardware/software, ceramic & building materials, auto components, Industrial hardware, machine tools and engineering products. More than 25 exhibitors from India offered wind range of services as aforementioned to their partners in Africa. AHC also mentioned about the immense opportunities in areas of power, construction and auto components.  Sectors which is largely untapped present eminence opportunities to Indian investors.

1. Handloom Export Promotion Council of India (HEPC) & HCI & LCCI B2B engagements on 8th August 2022: To commemorate National Handloom Day, HCI Abuja and Handloom Export Promotion Council of India (HEPC) India brought together 47 Nigerian importers and many Indian exporters on a B2B VC held on 8 Aug 22. Excellent Interaction between Indian and Nigerian businesses at the handloom, textiles & cotton manufacturers, and buyers B2B VC on 8/8/2022 organized by HCI Abuja and HEPC India commemorating National Handloom Day 2022. The National Handloom Day is celebrated on the 7th of August every year to honor the handloom weavers and highlight India's handloom industry. India Handloom brand endorses the quality of the Indian handloom products with regard to material, processing, and environmental standards for a defect-free handwoven authentic niche product.
2. Virtual meeting with Plastics Export Promotion Council (PLEXCONCIL) On 22nd September 2022: High Commissioner interacted online with Plexconcil and Indian exporters today and discussed ways and means to promote Indo-Nigerian partnership in the Plastics sector.
3. ICC Electrical and Power equipment Fair 2022 Virtual Expo - Africa Export Opportunities for Indian Electrical, Power & Renewable Energy Sector Companies on 31st October 2022: Mission highlighted the vast potential the opportunities in the power sector in Nigeria.

1. Virtual meeting with Air Peace Officials on Air Peace Corporate Partnership on 4th October 2022: Mission participated in a virtual meeting with M/s Air Peace Officials and discussed areas of cooperation in flights routes and air travel partnership between both countries.

DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION

1. India is emerging as a development partner of Nigeria in two fronts –by offering developmental assistance through concessional loans and by offering capacity building training programmes.

CONCESSIONAL LOANS:

1. US $ 100 million LOC: India has offered a concessional loan [Line of Credit (LoCs)] amounting to US$ 100 million to Nigeria in the power sector including renewables. Two projects viz. Kaduna – US$ 30 million and Cross Rivers – US$ 30 million are in the advanced stages of implementation. The third project in the State of Enugu for US $ 40 million is also expected to be implemented soon.
2. US$ 74.96 million LoC: India has offered two concessional loans (LoCs) for Solar- related projects namely (i) 50 MW Solar Power Plant in Bauchi State of Nigeria for an amount of USD 66.60 million and (ii) Solar PV Renewable Micro-Utility (REMU) in six political zones of Nigeria for an amount of USD 8.36 million, during the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Founding Conference and Solar Summit held on March 11, 2018, in New Delhi.

TRAINING PROGRAMMES

1. Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC): Since 1964, India has been supporting Nigeria’s efforts in capacity building under Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme. Every year India offered about 250+ civilian and defence training slots under ITEC/e-ITEC to Nigeria.
2. Training Programmes under the third India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-III): Consequent to the third India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-III) that was held in New Delhi in October 2015, India has been offering additional training programmes to Nigeria in diverse subjects ranging from agriculture, health, hydropower, water resources, etc. In the year 2018-19, about 74 Nigerians have been trained under IAFS-III Programmes in premier Indian institutions.
3. ICCR Africa Scholarship Scheme: Every year, the Indian Council of Cultural relations ICCR offered around 20 scholarships under the “ICCR Africa Scholarship Scheme” for Nigerian nationals to pursue under-graduate, post-graduate and higher courses in India.
4. C.V Raman International Fellowships: In the year 2017-18, 12 Nigerians have availed the C.V.Raman International Fellowships offered by Government of India in doctoral and post-doctoral research training.
5. Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) and Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), which have a MoU for cooperation and collaboration signed in 2007, jointly organized the second India-Africa Academic Conference at Lagos in March 2012. The event was attended by 80 academics, along with an eight-member ICWA delegation led by its Director General Shri S.T. Devare. The third conference is expected to be held in Nigeria soon.

EDUCATION:

1. India has been a destination for Nigerian students for pursuing higher education since 1955. Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR)’s instituted scholarship programme, which is fully funded by it, became the main vehicle for Nigerian students to study in India since 1960s. The Indian educational institutions system became popular for its quality and cost-effective education. Large number of Nigerian students are studying in various Indian universities. The Government of India launched in March 2018, ‘Study in India’ portal, which will give a further fillip to interested and deserving Nigerian students to join renowned and recognized Indian educational institutions.
2. e-Vidya Bharati and e-Arogya Bharati MoU:  Federal Ministry of Education, Nigeria and Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL) signed the e-VBAB MoU in Sep 2021. Under this MoU, India has offered free tele-education to 15000 students and free tele-medicine to 1000 doctors and paramedics. For Academic year 2022, iLearn portal was opened for Nigerian students for online courses and around 11500 students applied for scholarships. Total 4830 Nigerian students got admitted in various Universities in India. 
3. Study In India Programme (SII):  Around 1600+ Nigerian students got admitted in various Indian universities under Study in India (SII) programme in 2022-23.
4. SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY: An MoU on cooperation in outer space was signed between India and Nigeria on 13 august 2020 in Abuja.  The signing ceremony was witnessed online by MoS (EA) Mr. V. Muraleedharan from India and Minister of Science & Technology of Nigeria, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu from Nigeria.  The MoU envisages cooperation in applications in agriculture, environment and mining, micro and mini satellites, and capacity building.
5. COVID-19:  India's donation of 7.8 tons-consignment of essential medicines, including HCQS and antibiotics, to Nigeria, on 17 July 2020. On 2 March 2021, Government of India has supplied a consignment of 3.92 million doses of Covishield vaccine from the Serum Institute of India (SII), under the Covax scheme of GAVI to Nigeria. The Covishield vaccine is the first Covid-19 vaccine approved by NAFDAC. In addition, India also gifted 100,000 doses of Covishield vaccines to Nigeria on 26 March 21. In Jan 2022, India exported additional 5.742 million doses of Covishield vaccines to Nigeria un-der the Covax scheme. Both countries have approved an Air Transport/Bubble arrangement in September 2020.
6. Local Vaccine Production in Nigeria: In September 2022 a joint venture partnership arrangement between Bio vaccine Nigeria limited and Serum Institute of India (SII) was signed for the production of vaccines in Nigeria. SII will join Bio vaccine of Nigeria, in building their manufacturing plant in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. In Aug 2022, Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL)’s oral rotavirus vaccine Rotavac has been introduced by Nigeria for immunization of children from the life-threatening diarrhoeal disease.

CULTURAL RELATIONS:

1. Namaste! Nigeria: Namaste! Nigeria Event was celebrated on 05 May 2018 by the Indian High Commission in association with Indian Cultural Association (ICA), Abuja and Indian Women’s Association, Abuja to celebrate the diversity and richness of Indian culture. Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, Director General, Nigerian National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and Princess GinikaNwafor-Orizu, Chief Cultural Officer, were the Chief Guests at the event. Around 700 people attended the event, mainly Nigerians, diplomatic corps and Indian community. A Fashion Show to demonstrate the costumes of 21 Indian States, traditional dance performances of seven Indian States were presented by IWA and ICA respectively. The Nigerian NCAC presented the Unity Dance symbolizing the unity in diversity aspect of Nigeria.
2. Visit of ICCR Cultural Troupes:  Recent ICCR Indian Dance troupes that visited and performed in Nigeria includes Kathak group led by Ms. Surabhi Singh (27 Jan-3 Feb 2021), Haryana Folk Dance Troupe (November 2018), Bastar Band Dance Troupe from Chhattisgarh (2-14 April 2019), Narmada Cultural Organization, a Manipuri Dance Group (21-26 November 2019), Odyssey Dance Troupe Kaishiki Dance Academy (23-29 January 2020) and Baba Gorenath Gotipua Dance Association (01-06 November 2021).
3. Visit of Nigerian Cultural Troupes to India: A 10 members Afri Theater Artist group participated in second National Tribal Festival in Raipur, Chhattisgarh (28-31 October 2021). In March 2022, 15 members Nigerian cultural troupe from the Federal Ministry of Culture participated in in 35th Surajkund Mela 2022. The said troupe was jointly sponsored by MEA and the Govt. of Haryana.
4. Cultural Events: High Commission of India in association with various Indian cultural associations in Nigeria also organizes events to celebrate International Day of Yoga, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, World Hindi Day, Gandhi Jayanthi, Swatchata Diwas, International Women’s Day, ICCR Day, ITEC Day and B.R. Ambedkar Jayanthi etc. Indian Associations also separately organize events to celebrate Indian festivals such as Holi and Diwali in different cities of Nigeria.
5. NRI/PIO Community: The Indian community in Nigeria is estimated to be about 50,000 persons, including Indian nationals and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card holders. A generation of Nigerians today in their forties to sixties have been taught by Indian teachers, treated by Indian doctors and have grown watching Indian movies. There is a CBSE affiliated Indian Language School in Lagos with about 2,000 students. Indian Cultural Associations (ICAs) are present in prominent cities of Nigeria including Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, Port Harcourt and Ibadan. In Jan 2021, the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) has been awarded to Indian Culture Association (ICA), Lagos, Nigeria. This is first ever award for any individual or organization in Nigeria. Shri V. Muraleedharan, Minister of State for External Affairs virtually interacted with the Indian community in Nigeria on 4th June 2021.

21 November 2022