[SPECIAL REPORT]
Nigeria is one of the key players in our energy security. India
is largest buyer of crude oil in the Nigerian market, importing
almost 8 to 12 percent of its petroleum requirements from the
African country.
ago but hadn’t come across the opportunity to modernise
the network. Nigeria had made a remarkable impression on
me. I had the great fortune of knowing Presidents Yar’Adua,
President Jonathan, and President Buhari as well in their
various roles; their aff ection for India is conspicuous.
Current Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari visited
India to attend the third India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-
III) held in New Delhi from 26-30 October 2015. He was
accompanied by a 121-member delegation consisting of
Governor of Kano State, Mr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje;
Governor of Delta State, Mr. Ifeanyi Okowa; National
Security Adviser (NSA), Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno
(retd); besides Permanent Secretaries in the Ministries of
Defence, Power, Communications Technology, Agriculture,
Foreign Aff airs, and Industry, Trade & Investment.
The most recent high-level interaction was the visit of former
Vice President of India, Shri M. Hamid Ansari, accompanied
by his wife and a 13-member offi cial delegation comprising
of Parliamentarians, Senior Offi cials, and Ministers to Nigeria
from 26-29 September 2016. The Vice President called on
Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, and held bilateral
talks with his Nigerian counterpart, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo. The
Vice President also delivered a lecture at the University of
Lagos and addressed the Indian community, both in Abuja and
Lagos, as well as the National Defence College, Abuja. He was
accompanied by a 22-member Business delegation and, along
with his Nigerian counterpart, addressed the India-Nigeria Joint
Business Forum organised by the Indian High Commission in
association with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and
the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India
(ASSOCHAM) in the state capital.
An Interactive Partnership
India-Nigeria bilateral ties have traditionally been
warm and friendly. India established its diplomatic mission
in Nigeria in 1958 — two years before Nigeria gained
independence from British rule in 1960. Both countries have
been at the forefront of the international struggle against
colonisation and apartheid, and have closely collaborated
in various international forums concerning the developing
world. In a landmark visit to Nigeria in September 1962,
Indian Prime Minister Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru’s interaction
with Nigeria’s fi rst Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa rendered
mutual goodwill, respect and friendship between our two
countries and their leaders. Years later, Prime Minister
Vajpayee visited Abuja briefl y for the Commonwealth Heads
of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2003. However, it
was the historic State visit to Nigeria by Prime Minister
Dr. Manmohan Singh in October 2007 that provided a new
impetus to our bilateral ties. The Abuja Declaration and fi rst
major Line of Credit of $100 million were signed to chart
the course for future. Common experience of our colonial
past and our large multi-ethnic,
multi-religious developing societies
with a large percentage of youth have
brought the two countries closer.
We share common perspectives on
international political, social, and
developmental issues as witnessed
in various meetings at the United
Nations, World Trade Organization
and other global platforms. Moreover,
both countries stand in strong
opposition to all forms of terrorism.
Two Nigerian Presidents, Shehu
Shagari and Olusegun Obasanjo, were
the Chief Guest on India’s Republic
Day in 1983 and 2000 respectively
which is a distinct honour for the
mutual friendship between the two
Photograph of NDA Kaduna with Indian Army Training Team
countries.
Nigeria-India• 2018 • 15