*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to India, in 2023, is yielding results as the West African country and India reaffirm their commitment to a robust strategic partnership, pledging to strengthen ties in key areas, including economic development, defence, healthcare, energy and food security

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

Nigeria and India have reaffirmed their commitment to a robust strategic partnership, pledging to strengthen ties in key areas, including economic development, defence, healthcare and food security.

The Nigerian Government disclosed this development is contained in a joint statement Sunday, November 17, 2024, in Abuja, FCT, at the conclusion of the Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi鈥檚 state visit to Nigeria.

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said shortly after the Indian Prime Minister Modi received a formal welcome, including a 21-artillery gun salute at the Presidential Villa, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Modi went into a tete-a-tete, and later jointly presided over an expanded bilateral and political talks.

The statement noted during their bilateral discussion, the two leaders agreed to a greater collaboration in counterterrorism, maritime security, and intelligence sharing.

Onanuga stated in view of the growing threats in the Gulf of Guinea and the Indian Ocean, the two leaders also agreed to coordinated actions to safeguard maritime trade routes and combat piracy.

Condemnation of terrorism in all forms and manifestations

The two countries, said Onanuga, pledged to continue regular naval exercises and joint anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Guinea to safeguard critical maritime routes.

The Presidential aide also stated: “The leaders reiterated their unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations including the cross-border movement of terrorists and terror financing networks and safe havens.

”They called for zero tolerance to terrorism and expeditious finalisation and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International terrorism in the UN Framework, as well as implementation of the UNGA and the UNSC resolutions on countering terrorism and violent extremism.

”It was agreed to enhance cooperation in the area of counter terrorism.”

The joint statement further noted Prime Minister Modi reiterated India鈥檚 readiness to support Nigeria鈥檚 defence modernisation efforts, highlighting India鈥檚 emergence as a trusted defence manufacturer.

The two leaders also highlighted the vibrant economic relationship between India and Nigeria, with India positioned as the West African country’s largest trading partner and a significant contributor to its economy.

Onanuga as well Nigeria commended the contributions of over 200 Indian companies operating in the country, which have generated substantial employment and investment opportunities.

On bilateral trade expansion, both leaders directed their officials to finalise pending agreements, including the Economic Cooperation Agreement (ECA), Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), and the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), to boost trade and investment.

They noted with satisfaction ”the fruitification of some of the investments” agreed to by the Indian companies during the visit of President Tinubu to India in September 2023, and committed to facilitating early finalisation of the remaining investments, he stated.

The Federal Government recalled that on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders鈥� Summit held September 9-10, 2023, in New Delhi, the Nigeria-India Presidential Roundtable and Business Conference took place, where Indian investors pledged a combined total of over $14 billion across critical sectors of the Nigerian economy.

The government said the investments were targeted on industrialisation, energy, telecommunications, and defence sectors

In regard to infrastructure Development, the countries’ joint statement arising from Prime Minister Modi鈥檚 state visit, reaffirmed India commitment to supporting Nigeria’s development priorities through concessional Lines of credit and technical expertise.

On energy collaboration, CNG conversion and LPG bottling distribution

In respect of energy collaboration, Nigeria and India agreed on long-term contracts for crude oil and LNG supply and technical support in pipeline transmission security, CNG conversion and LPG bottling distribution.

President Tinubu and PM Modi further discussed broader collaboration on food security and agriculture, health, education, and cultural exchanges.

The two leaders, on food security, agreed that the concept remains a priority for developing countries, especially with bigger populations.

The joint statement said: “Nigeria thanked India for providing the necessary concessions sought for in the supply of rice at the time of their need.

”They agreed to enhance collaboration in the area of agriculture from agricultural machinery, high yield seeds to sharing technical expertise, know-how and technologies and agreed to identify ways of cooperation in these areas.

”The Indian side thanked the Nigerian side for supporting the Indian Resolution at the UN to declare 2023 as the International Year of Millets and agreed to increase collaboration between India and Nigeria in the area of Millets.”

In the health sector of the economy, Nigeria and India as well pledged to deepen their collaboration, focusing on the establishment of hospitals and diagnostic centres, and the deployment of innovative health management systems.

Both economies also acknowledged the ongoing efforts by Indian hospitals operating in Nigeria, and highlighted the vast potential for further collaboration to enhance healthcare delivery across the country.

The Indian Government offered to share its CoWIN digital platform, an open-source health management infrastructure that has revolutionised vaccination campaigns and health data management in India.

It is noted this system is expected to support Nigeria’s healthcare system by improving the efficiency and accessibility of vaccination programs and other health initiatives.

The Indian Government also extended its commitment to supplying high-quality generic pharmaceutical products to Nigeria at economical rates under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) scheme- a campaign launched by India鈥檚 Department of Pharmaceuticals to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to the masses.

Of scholarship schemes, cultural exchanges, others

According to the joint statement, the initiative is aimed at making essential medicines more affordable, particularly for vulnerable populations, and supporting Nigerian public hospital procurement processes.

Nigeria and India further reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration on education, cultural exchanges, and fostering strong people-to-people contacts, building on longstanding historical ties and mutual aspirations.

India was acknowledged as a significant partner in Nigeria’s human resource development through various scholarship programmes, including the eVBAB scheme, which facilitates virtual learning opportunities.

Both sides agreed to work together to encourage more Nigerian students to leverage these scholarship programmes.

President Tinubu and Prime Minister Modi applauded the vibrant cultural and academic exchanges between the two nations, which have included visits by cultural troupes, participation in film and literary festivals, and other collaborative activities.

The leaders also underscored the importance of further widening these exchanges to promote mutual understanding and shared heritage.

The statement indicated they recognised the role of tourism in enhancing people-to-people connections and emphasised the need to explore opportunities for promoting travel and cultural interaction between Nigeria and India.

Joint commitment to UN Security Council reform

In connection with working together through its membership in international organisations, India commended Nigeria for its reciprocal support of non-permanent members of the UN Security Council for 2028-2029.

The two countries reiterated their joint commitment to UN Security Council reform and mutual support for permanent and non-permanent memberships.

They also pledged cooperation on regional peace and security, particularly in West Africa.

Nigeria 鈥榯ook note鈥� of India鈥檚 invitation to join the Global Biofuel Alliance and Global Rivers Cities Alliance.

The Nigerian and Indian leaders stated: “As members of International Solar Alliance (ISA), both sides agreed to intensify their cooperation in establishing solar parks and to work towards increasing the share of the renewable energy in their energy portfolio.”

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