India-Nigeria talks bolster Climate Action

India's External Affairs Minister visited Nigeria from January 21 to 23, inaugurating Mahatma Gandhi's bust at the Indian High Commission in Abuja and co-chairing the 6th India-Nigeria Joint Commission Meeting with Nigeria's Foreign Minister, Yusuf Maitama Taggar. The meeting focused on collaboration opportunities in power, renewable energy, transportation, fintech, agriculture, and security. The nations also signed a solar energy agreement, exploring further green energy collaborations.

Dr Jaishankar highlighted the growth in India-Nigeria economic cooperation, with current annual trade reaching USD 13-15 billion, up from USD 9 billion in 2016-17. India's development assistance to Nigeria includes diverse training programs in agriculture, health, etc. The historical ties between the two nations, dating back to 1958, are rooted in a shared colonial struggle and early engagement.

The Indian community, numbering over 50,000 in Nigeria, significantly contributes to the country, while Nigerian students frequently choose Indian institutions for higher education, benefiting from scholarships in various fields. India's investment in Nigeria is notable, with pledges worth $14 billion from Indian investors in September 2023. Around 130 Indian companies operating in Nigeria, bolstering development and economic growth.

Dr Jaishankar inaugurated the 3rd Nigeria-India Business Council meeting, affirming India's commitment to supporting Nigeria's development. The NIBC facilitates Indian investment in Nigeria, strengthening bilateral ties and fostering development. In a speech at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Dr Jaishankar emphasized the Global South's role in global progress, advocating for rebalancing and multipolarity to encourage diversity, solidarity, and self-reliance among nations.