Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Nigeria, from November 16-17, marks a historic milestone in India’s engagement with the resource-rich West African nation. This visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 17 years, is set to deepen bilateral ties in sectors such as mining, infrastructure, defense, and energy, while fostering collaboration in security and counter-terrorism.
Strengthening a Strategic Partnership
The last visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria was in October 2007, when Dr. Manmohan Singh elevated the bilateral relationship to a “Strategic Partnership.” India and Nigeria, as the largest democracies in Asia and Africa respectively, share natural synergies, with both countries embodying diverse, multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multilingual societies. Experts on African affairs have long regarded this relationship as a model for South-South cooperation.
India opened its diplomatic mission in Lagos in November 1958, two years before Nigeria gained independence in 1960. Since then, the two nations have maintained high-level political contact, fostering a relationship that spans over six decades.
A History of Collaboration: Education, Healthcare, and Defense
India has played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s development since the 1960s, contributing significantly to the education, healthcare, and defense sectors. During Nigeria’s formative years, Indian teachers and doctors were instrumental in shaping the country’s education and healthcare systems. Today, many Nigerians in their 40s to 60s fondly recall being taught by Indian educators and treated by Indian medical professionals.
In the defense sector, India’s contributions include the establishment of the National Defence Academy in Kaduna and the Naval War College in Port Harcourt, both spearheaded by Indian military officers. This legacy of collaboration continues to shape Nigeria’s defense capabilities.
Economic Ties: A Robust Partnership
India is one of Nigeria’s most significant trading partners, with bilateral trade reaching new heights in recent years. Approximately 200 Indian companies operate in Nigeria, investing an estimated $27 billion across key manufacturing sectors. These companies collectively form the second-largest employer in the country, after the Nigerian federal government.
The large Indian expatriate community in Nigeria, numbering around 60,000, is the largest in West Africa. Their contributions further strengthen the bonds between the two nations, acting as cultural and economic bridges.
India’s Role in Development and Capacity Building
India has emerged as a vital development partner for Nigeria, offering concessional loans totaling $100 million and spearheading capacity-building initiatives. The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program has been a cornerstone of this partnership, providing 250 civilian and 250 defense training slots annually to Nigerian professionals. Since the 1970s, over 27,500 Nigerians have benefitted from ITEC training, gaining valuable skills in diverse fields.
Additionally, Indian scholarships, such as those offered under the India-Africa Forum Summit, ICCR, CV Raman, and e-Vidya Bharati and e-Arogya Bharati (eVBAB), have supported Nigerian students in pursuing higher education and specialized training.
A Preferred Partner for Education and Healthcare
India has become a preferred destination for Nigerians seeking education and medical treatment. The country’s affordable and high-quality services attract thousands of Nigerians annually, further cementing the relationship between the two nations.
Key Sectors for Future Collaboration
Prime Minister Modi’s visit aims to unlock new investment opportunities for Indian companies in Nigeria. Key sectors identified for collaboration include:
- Mining: With Nigeria’s rich natural resources, Indian expertise and investment could significantly boost the sector.
- Infrastructure: India’s capabilities in infrastructure development could play a transformative role in Nigeria’s growth story.
- Defense: Strengthening defense ties, particularly in defense production and counter-terrorism, will be a priority.
- Energy: Expanding energy partnerships could benefit both nations, leveraging Nigeria’s oil resources and India’s growing energy demands.
