Acting High Commissioner of India to Nigeria, Vartika Rawat, has reiterated the country’s interest in growing and developing its bilateral relations with Nigeria.

Speaking at a press briefing, she explained that the commission has just inaugurated the first edition of the India Trade Expo 2025, yesterday, a significant step in enhancing trade and economic collaboration between India and Nigeria.

She stated that the event aims to become a key fixture in the international trade calendar, attracting businesses, policymakers, and industry leaders from both nations.

Highlighting the strong bilateral ties between India and Nigeria, Rawat, emphasised the long-standing diplomatic relationship, which dates back to 1958, two years before Nigeria’s independence.

The two countries share deep-rooted political, economic, cultural, and people-to-people connections, making Nigeria one of India’s most valued partners in Africa.

According to her, the recent high-level engagements between the two nations have further cemented their strategic partnership.

The successful visit of Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu to India for the G20 Summit in September 2023 was a testament to the growing cooperation.

Notably, India played a pivotal role in advocating for the African Union’s permanent membership in the G20, ensuring that the continent’s interests are represented on the global stage.

“The bilateral relationship received a further boost with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Nigeria in November 2024, reinforcing the commitment to deepening economic and trade ties. With over 200 Indian-origin companies operating in Nigeria and more than 50,000 Indian expatriates calling the country home, India remains a key contributor to Nigeria’s economic growth and development,” she added.

Rawat highlighted that Indian businesses are among the largest employers in Nigeria, second only to the federal government.

He acknowledged Nigeria’s hospitality and the success stories of Indian entrepreneurs, emphasising that their contributions to employment and empowerment are a shared success for both nations.

She added that India has been a top five trading partner for Nigeria, with bilateral trade reaching $14.95 billion in 2021-2022. Efforts are underway to further bolster this economic partnership, with trade fairs in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, and Kaduna playing a crucial role in fostering collaboration.

The India Trade Expo 2025 is envisioned as a platform to bring together Indian-origin companies, Nigerian government officials, business chambers, and private enterprises for shared growth and prosperity.

She urged Indian businesses to explore new opportunities in Nigeria and the broader African market, especially in light of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

As a leading member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Nigeria holds a strategic position in India’s engagement with the region.

In addition to trade, India is also set to host the World Audiovisual and Entertainment Summit in Mumbai from May 1-4, 2025. The summit will bring together stakeholders from various entertainment sectors, and media professionals from Nigeria were invited to participate.