India, Nigeria Deepen Strategic Ties, Trade Hits $9bn, Modi Invites Tinubu to BRICS Summit
Michael Olugbode in Abuja India and Nigeria are deepening their strategic partnership across trade, investment, defence, energy, healthcare, agriculture and technology, with bilateral trade climbing to about $9 billion in
India and Nigeria have strengthened their strategic partnership in recent years, with bilateral trade reaching approximately $9 billion in the 2025-26 financial year, according to the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Abhishek Singh. This increase, from $7.13 billion in 2024-25, signifies a broadening of economic and strategic cooperation between the two nations.
Singh's remarks revealed that India-Nigeria relations have transcended traditional trade and oil ties, expanding to encompass security, technology, food security, healthcare, agriculture, and global governance. Over 200 Indian companies now operate in Nigeria, contributing to the creation of approximately 100,000 jobs for Nigerians.
Energy security remains a crucial aspect of their strategic relationship, with both countries investing in oil, gas, and renewable energy sectors. Defense and maritime security cooperation, dating back decades, continues to play a significant role. India also supports Nigeria's establishment of defense academies and colleges, and the two countries collaborate on intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism, and maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
Additionally, India has provided Nigeria with $395 million in concessional lines of credit and conducted extensive ITEC training programs for Nigerian professionals. Healthcare, agriculture, digital public infrastructure, and space applications are among the new areas of cooperation. High-level political engagement, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's visit to India in 2023 and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to Nigeria in 2024, has further bolstered the relationship.
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