Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening diplomatic and economic relations with India as both countries prepare for key international engagements scheduled for 2026.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed, made this known during a meeting with India’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Abhishek Singh, at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
According to a statement by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, Ahmed commended the longstanding cordial relationship between both nations and stressed the need to further strengthen cooperation ahead of the India-Africa Forum Summit billed for New Delhi in May 2026.
He described Nigeria and India as strategic partners bound by shared democratic ideals and mutual goals centred on sustainable development and South-South cooperation.
Ahmed also highlighted the importance of upcoming international engagements, including the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the India-Africa Forum Summit, noting that they would provide opportunities for developing countries to deepen multilateral cooperation amid changing global economic and political realities.
The permanent secretary reiterated Nigeria’s interest in attracting more Indian investments into critical sectors of the economy such as manufacturing, agriculture, mining, renewable energy and local value addition.
He also called for stronger collaboration in security and counter-terrorism efforts, particularly through technological partnerships and defence capacity building.
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Speaking earlier, the Indian High Commissioner briefed the ministry on preparations for the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting scheduled to hold from May 14 to 15 at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
Singh noted that Nigeria remains a key partner for India in Africa and occupies an important position in India’s engagement with the continent.
“Nigeria, as a BRICS partner country and a major stakeholder in Africa, occupies a strategic place in India’s foreign policy engagement with the continent,” he said.
He added that India was looking forward to Nigeria’s active participation in the upcoming meetings and to expanding cooperation in areas including trade, renewable energy, defence, industrialisation, agriculture and technology.
Singh also referenced ongoing initiatives under the International Solar Alliance and the Africa Solar Facility, revealing plans for renewable energy investments and broader development partnerships with Nigeria.
