Nigeria, India to strengthen trade ties with Prime Minister Modi’s visit-OFBJP

The Overseas Friends of Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) has stated that India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Nigeria on November 16-17 marks a historic moment for India-Nigeria relations.

In a statement issued and signed by spokespersons for the Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP) Nigeria, Sudhir Rathore and Dr. Anil Grover, the high-profile visit is the first by an
The Indian prime minister in 17 years and is expected to strengthen diplomatic trade ties between the two nations as well as open doors for increased Indian investment into Nigeria.

OFBJP expressed optimism about the impact the visit would have on both countries, saying that Nigeria is home to a thriving Indian community of over 40,000 individuals, many of whom have built successful businesses and created employment opportunities across various sectors.

The statement said the contributions of the Indian diaspora to the Nigerian economy are substantial, driving job creation export promotion and enhancing bilateral trade relationships.

“The Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Nigeria comes at a pivotal time, as a transformative
leader, Modi has uplifted millions of Indians out of poverty through various social welfare
schemes.

“His initiatives, including the Implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST)
and the digitalisation of the Indian economy through Platform like the Unified Payments
Interface (UPI), has bolstered economic stability and earned him global respect.

“His adept handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and his support for developing Nations further cemented his popularity within the global Indian community, including the diaspora in Nigeria.

“The Invitation extended by Modi to Nigeria as a guest nation at the recent G20 Summit in
India, where President Bola Tinubu represented Nigeria, underscored the close ties between the two countries,” the statement said.

The statement added that during Tinubu’s visit to India last year, Indian businesses pledged a staggering $45 billion in investments for Nigeria.

“Modi’s visit will likely see these commitments reinforced, with further collaborations anticipated in key sectors such as
agriculture, oil and gas, infrastructure and defence.

“One of the significant aspects of Modi’s visit is its geopolitical importance. As India seeks to
deepen its presence in Africa, this trip is viewed as a strategic counter to China’s growing influence on the Continent.

“Modi’s engagement with African nations, including Nigeria, signals India’s commitment to mutual growth and sustainable development across Africa.

“In Nigeria, Tinubu’s administration has been working tirelessly to revitalise the
nation’s economy. Strengthening ties with India, one of the world’s fastest-growing
economies, align with Tinubu’s vision for economic recovery,” the statement averred.

Modi’s visit is expected to bolster these efforts, fostering foreign investment and strengthening bilateral cooperation.

The OFBJP, an Organisation is dedicated to supporting the Indian diaspora worldwide and it is excited about the prime minister’s visit.

“Our team in Nigeria is eagerly looking forward to hosting Prime Minister Modi and facilitating meaningful interations with the Indian community here,” said Dr. Grover, a spokesperson for the OFBJP Lagos Nigeria.

The visit will provide an opportunity for the Indian community in Nigeria to connect with their homeland and discuss potential collaborations that can benefit both countries.

As the Nigerian and Indian governments prepare for this landmark visit, the future looks bright for India-Nigeria relations. This visit is expected to catalyze growth and collaboration, bringing new opportunities for the citizens of both nations while also strengthening a partnership
built on mutual respect and shared values,” said Sudhir Rathore, Spokesperson, BJP party Abuja