India has pledged to deepen ties with Nigeria across key sectors, including trade, energy, defence, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and technology, as both countries seek to strengthen cooperation anchored on shared democratic values.

The Indian high commissioner to Nigeria, Abhishek Singh, made the pledge late Monday in Abuja during his country’s 77th Republic Day Reception, where he outlined India’s development trajectory and growing engagement with Nigeria.

Mr Singh said India’s commitment to Nigeria is driven by a shared vision for inclusive growth and South–South cooperation.

“We are building together with partners like Nigeria,” he said. “Our two nations, bound by shared values of democracy and peaceful coexistence, represent the promise of South–South cooperation.”

According to him, India has invested nearly $27 billion in Nigeria, with cooperation expanding across defence, energy, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and information technology.

“India remains steadfast in its commitment to partner with Nigeria across all sectors and contribute to a lasting impact on Nigeria’s overall progress,” the envoy added.

Mr Singh affirmed that India’s recent economic performance underscored its capacity to contribute meaningfully to partnerships, citing a 7.4 per cent economic growth rate and advances in digital public infrastructure.

“We are no longer just a nation of potential; we are a nation of delivery. It represents millions of lives transformed, countless opportunities created, and a nation confidently marching towards its vision of becoming a developed country by 2047,” he said.

According to him, India’s digital platforms, manufacturing drive, and healthcare initiatives have transformed millions of lives, positioning the country as a reliable global partner.

Mr Singh also said that Nigeria and India shared similarities as multi-ethnic and multi-religious democracies with youthful populations and development ambitions.

“For India–Nigeria relations, the sky is not the limit; space is the limit,” he said.

Foreign affairs minister Yusuf Tuggar reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening ties with India, describing the relationship as rooted in shared history and democratic ideals. 

He said both countries remained among the world’s largest democracies, united by diversity and resilience.

Culture and tourism minister Hannatu Musawa highlighted the role of cultural exchange, film, and creative collaboration in deepening people-to-people relations between the two countries.

“Nigeria and India share more than diplomatic ties; we share a history of cultural exchange,” Musawa said. “Our creative industries, from Nollywood to Bollywood, have become bridges of storytelling and understanding.”

She added that the ministry is open to deeper cultural collaboration with India.

Deputy finance minister Doris Uzoka-Anite said Indian investments had contributed significantly to Nigeria’s economic diversification, job creation, and skills transfer.

“Indian enterprises have made meaningful contributions across manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, agriculture and defence,” she said. “These investments support Nigeria’s economic diversification, job creation and inclusive growth.”

(NAN)