Oyetola Seeks Improved Economic Ties with India

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja 

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has called for stronger collaborations with the Government of India to boost investments that abound in the Nigeria blue economy domain.

He remarked that stronger ties with India renowned for its rich maritime heritage in the ports and shipping industry would increase foreign direct investment to the country. 

Oyetola, in his address at the India Trade Mission to Nigeria/Nigeria-India Business Forum, Nigeria-India Business Council (NIBC), with the theme: Expanding Trade & Investment Opportunities Between Nigeria and India held in Abuja, spoke with optimism on the gains that would be derived from this forum.

According to the minister, “I am particularly glad that this forum has brought Nigeria and India together to collaborate and strategically plan on exploring investment opportunities in both countries.  

“I am optimistic that this forum will further strengthen the bilateral ties between the two countries thereby increasing foreign direct investment, facilitate capacity/technology transfer and foster sustainable business partnerships between the government and private sectors of both countries,” Oyetola opined.

Oyetola noted that the business forum could not have come at a better time as the federal government was poised to harness the potential of the blue economy through public private partnership.

The Minister of External Affairs, Republic of India, Dr. S. Jaishankar, also spoke on the essence of government, stating that it was the primary responsibility of any government to improve the enabling environment, look at the challenges, place such on the table for discussions and approach identified challenges with practical and constructive solutions.

He assured the Nigeria business community that India couldbe the support and fulcrum for Nigeria in aspects of sharing technology, digital public infrastructure, agricultural sustainability, security and the blue economy.

He maintained that the proof of his country’s commitment to fostering ties and cooperation with Nigeria was in