India Moves to Reset Africa Relations After 10-Year Gap, Targets Deeper Nigeria Partnership

By: Michael Mike

The Government of India is seeking to recalibrate its strategic engagement with Africa through the forthcoming 2026 India-Africa Forum Summit, with Nigeria positioned at the centre of New Delhi’s renewed diplomatic, economic and cultural outreach to the continent.

India’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Abhishek Singh, disclosed this in Abuja while briefing journalists ahead of the fourth edition of the India-Africa Forum Summit scheduled to hold on May 31 in New Delhi.

The summit, which is returning after a decade-long break, is expected to bring together African heads of state, ministers, business leaders, investors, diplomats and cultural stakeholders as India seeks to strengthen its influence across Africa amid growing global competition for economic and strategic partnerships on the continent.

“This summit is not merely a diplomatic gathering. It is a platform to deepen political dialogue, security cooperation, trade relations, developmental partnerships, people-to-people exchanges and cultural collaboration between India and Africa,” Singh said.

The envoy noted that the last summit was held in 2015 and argued that both Africa and India had undergone major political and economic changes since then, making the upcoming meeting particularly significant.

According to him, the summit will begin with senior officials’ engagements on May 28, followed by a meeting of foreign ministers on May 29 before the main leaders’ summit on May 31.

He disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has been invited by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the summit.

“We would be truly honoured to have the participation of His Excellency, the President,” Singh stated.

The High Commissioner described Nigeria as a strategic pillar in India’s Africa policy, citing the country’s democratic credentials, economic weight and regional influence.

“Nigeria is Africa’s largest democracy and one of the continent’s biggest economies. We see Nigeria as emblematic of India’s relationship with Africa,” he added.

Beyond diplomatic engagements, India is also using the summit to deepen commercial and cultural ties with African countries.

Singh revealed that business forums, cultural festivals, music and dance events, as well as Track Two diplomatic engagements involving academics and private sector players, would form part of the summit activities.

“One of the major components is economic dialogue. We have invited Nigerian businessmen, industrialists and chambers of commerce to participate and redefine how we engage economically,” he said.

India said bilateral trade between Nigeria and India currently stands at between eight and nine billion dollars annually, although both countries believe there is substantial room for expansion.

According to the envoy, discussions are ongoing on improving market access, reducing trade bottlenecks and unlocking new investment opportunities in sectors such as technology, manufacturing, digital infrastructure and education.

Singh also highlighted India’s growing interest in Nigeria’s creative and entertainment industries, particularly the rising global influence of Afrobeats music.

“The Afrobeats are becoming increasingly popular in India and names like Wizkid and Davido are not just famous in Nigeria but globally recognised and increasingly popular in India,” he said.

He further stressed India’s readiness to expand collaboration with Nigeria in information and communications technology, noting that India’s global strength in ICT and digital innovation presents major opportunities for partnership with African economies.

Analysts say the renewed India-Africa engagement reflects New Delhi’s broader geopolitical strategy to strengthen economic alliances, secure new markets and deepen influence in Africa amid intensifying competition from China, the United States, Europe and Gulf countries for strategic partnerships across the continent.

For Nigeria, the summit is expected to open fresh opportunities for trade expansion, investment inflows, educational cooperation, technology transfer and cultural exchange at a time the country is seeking stronger international economic partnerships to support growth and diversification.

India Moves to Reset Africa Relations After 10-Year Gap, Targets Deeper Nigeria Partnership

Navy supports Adamawa community with classrooms, toilets

Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, the Chief of Naval Staff on Thursday inaugurated six blocks of renovated classrooms and newly constructed toilets at Central Primary School, Mayo-Belwa Local Government, Adamawa State.

Abbas, who was represented by the Rear Admiral Raheem Taofeek, said the project was a special intervention scheme and cooperate social responsibility of the Nigeria Navy to give back to the community.

According to him, the project is being executed by the Rear Adm. Abdulhamid Baba-Inna, the Navy Secretary in his hometown in line with the vision of President Bola Tinubu.

He encouraged the beneficiaries to use the facilities responsibly for maximum benefit.

In his remarks, Baba-Inna, said the project was to improve the learning environment to be conducive for the pupils and teachers.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, this project aligns squarely with the Nigeria Navy’s Civil-Military Cooperation and Relations framework.

“We recognise that our effectiveness is not measured solely by operational successes at sea or on the battlefield but also by the strength of our relationship with the people we serve.

“Projects such as this are deliberate efforts to build trust, foster goodwill and strengthen the bond between the military and civil society”, he said.

According to him, the classes and offices were provided with tables and chairs as well as the solar power light to enhance safety and security in the school.

Baba-Inna urged the pupils and teachers to take ownership of the project for maximum benefit.

In his remarks, Mr Adiyal Kurdah, Member I, Adamawa State Universal Basic Education Board (ADSUBEB), expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Navy for such a project.

He said the project would significantly improve enrollment, retention and quality education in the area.

Alhaji Ardo Bamanga, District Head of Mayo-Belwa, described the project as a good legacy that would help to shape the character of children to be responsible citizens in future.

The event featured presentation of learning materials to pupils, tree planting, cultural displays and awards presentations.

Navy supports Adamawa community with classrooms, toilets

Troops repel attack by gunmen in Plateau – Army

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring peace, have repelled an attack by unidentified gunmen in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Sources said the incident occurred at about 8:00 p.m. on May 5 at Rim general area.

According to the source, troops deployed at the location came under sporadic gunfire from unknown assailants.

He said the troops swiftly responded and engaged the attackers, forcing them to withdraw from the area.

“Troops successfully repelled the attack, and the criminals fled,” the source said.

The source added that follow-up patrols had been intensified to track the fleeing attackers and prevent further security breaches in the area.

Troops repel attack by gunmen in Plateau – Army