Nigeria-India Strengthens Cultural, Economic Relationships As India’s investment in Nigeria hits $27bn

Gilbert Ekugbe

Nigeria and India have restated commitment to strengthen the cultural and economic relationships between both countries.

The Consul General of India, Lagos, Nigeria, Chandramouli Kern, said the move was vital considering the similarities of culture and religious beliefs the countries share.
He stated this on the sidelines of an annual prayer service event tagged “Mata ka Jagran” organised by the Shan E Punjab Association of Nigeria (SPAN)
According to him, India is one of the largest trading partners of Nigeria, saying that India is the biggest importer of Nigeria’s crude oil and natural gas while Nigeria is also a net importer of India’s rice and pharmaceuticals.

He however, commended Indian companies operating in the country for creating employment opportunities for Nigeria’s teeming unemployed youths.

Meanwhile, he pointed out that India’s total investment in the country has hit over $27 billion with over 200 Indian companies operating in the country.

Speaking on the prayer ceremony, he said it is an important occasion to remain culturally aligned with India whose proceeds would be generated for charity.

“This event is organised by a prominent Indian community association. It is an important occasion to remain culturally aligned with India which the Indian community generates funds to donate to charity. It is keeping our people happy and we want to thank Nigerians for giving us the support to celebrate the Indian community,” he said.

“It is also used for bringing the cultural roots between India and Nigeria. They raise the fund and distribute it for different purposes.

India and Nigeria have strong bilateral relationships politically, economically and culturally. We are both aligned for so many decades. Our relationship with Nigeria dates back before Nigeria’s independence,” he added.

Earlier, the president, SPAN, Mr. Narindera Chugh, said Nigeria is the best kept secret of the world, adding there are a lot of economic potentials Nigeria and India can explore going forward.

“I feel there are a lot of similarities between both countries as they have lots to gain as far as culture and economics are concerned. I believe there is a lot for both countries to gain from this prayer event,” he said.

“Nigeria is the best kept secret of the world, I enjoy the wonderful people here, the beauty in Lagos and outside Lagos and I feel that there is a lot Nigeria has to do to grow more and I also believe in the potentials of the people and resources. I believe there is a lot Nigeria can do for the world,” he averred.

On his part, the Vice President, SPAN, Dr. Grover, said the prayer service is an annual annual prayer service event organised before celebrating one of the major religious festivals in Hinduism, called Divali where it brings in the Chief Priest and some artistes in India to pray and recite hymns.

“Lots of food would be served for the whole entire community. Lot of people would be attending this programme and we also have officials from the Lagos State government, Ministry of culture and some Nigerian sponsors who have sponsored this event. This event is beneficial for both of the countries because India and Nigeria have a strong cordial relationship so the prayer service is for the goodwill of Nigeria, Nigerian people and the Nigerian Indian community,” he added.

“There are lots of similarities between Nigeria and India, because they are both God fearing countries and also believe in the power of prayers and that is why we are organising this service for peace, happiness, security and prosperity of both countries,” he said.