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Nigeria and India, in a groundbreaking development on Sunday, signed a series of agreements that are set to enhance cooperation in areas crucial to both nations’ futures. The agreements, which span sectors like defence, economic development, healthcare, food security, and energy, are aimed at addressing pressing issues and building a strong foundation for long-term partnership.
The formalization of these agreements occurred during the state visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who traveled to Nigeria at the personal invitation of President Bola Tinubu. This visit, which marked a new chapter in the bilateral relationship, served as the backdrop for enhancing cooperation in various critical areas.
The state visit on Sunday, which was preceded by a formal reception at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, saw the two leaders engage in comprehensive discussions. These talks concluded with the issuance of a joint statement, clearly outlining the areas where Nigeria and India will focus their efforts for enhanced cooperation and growth.
This information was brought to light by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement bearing the title “Nigeria, India Reinforce Strategic Partnership, Vow to Boost Economic, Defence, Health, and Food Security.”
Throughout their discussions, the two leaders reached an agreement to significantly intensify their collaboration on matters of counterterrorism, maritime security, and intelligence sharing. This marked a pivotal step towards reinforcing the strategic ties between Nigeria and India, with a particular focus on safeguarding regional and global stability.
With growing threats in the Gulf of Guinea and the Indian Ocean, they also agreed to coordinated actions to safeguard maritime trade routes and combat piracy.
The two countries pledged to continue regular naval exercises and joint anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Guinea to safeguard critical maritime routes.
“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 said
Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s readiness to support Nigeria’s defence modernisation efforts, highlighting India’s emergence as a trusted defence manufacturer.
The two leaders also highlighted the vibrant economic relationship between India and Nigeria, with India positioned as Nigeria’s largest trading partner and a significant contributor to its economy.
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, Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement, and the Bilateral Investment Treaty, 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.
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On the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit held from September 9-10, 2023, in New Delhi, the Nigeria-India Presidential Roundtable and Business Conference had taken place, where Indian investors pledged a combined total of over $14bn across critical sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The investments were targeted on industrialisation, energy, telecommunications, and defence sectors
On infrastructure development, the joint statement arising from Prime Minister Modi’s state visit, stated that India reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s development priorities through concessional lines of credit and technical expertise.
On 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.
Their discussions ventured into broader themes, including strategies for combating food insecurity, boosting agricultural output, transforming health infrastructure, enriching educational systems, and building avenues for cultural collaboration.
Food security emerged as a shared priority in their dialogue, with both leaders highlighting its essential role in ensuring stability for developing nations, especially those grappling with the complexities of larger population sizes.
