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With 150 Companies and $27b Investment in Nigeria, India Interested in More, Says Envoy
With 150 Companies and $27b Investment in Nigeria, India Interested in More, Says Envoy
By: Michael Mike
About 150 Indian companies have invested more than US$27 billion in Nigeria in the last four decades, the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gangadharan Balasubramanian has revealed.
Balasubramanian made the disclosure in his address at the anniversary celebration of the 75th Republic Day of India, organised by the Indian mission on Friday night in Abuja, noting that India remains interested in investing more in Nigeria.
The envoy while describing relations between India and Nigeria as excellent, said India will continue to play significant role and contribute to the global good, adding the recently concluded Indian Presidency of G20 showcased the country’s readiness to effectively play a global role.
He said India stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Nigerian friends in the joint journey towards development and that the Government of India is committed to further strengthening such ties.
Balasubramanian also said: “India and Nigeria enjoy strong and historical relations. With the ties dating back to before Nigeria’s independence, our bilateral relations have been nurtured by the leadership of both the countries.
“Our economic and trade relations are strong and growing. Currently nearly 150 Indian companies with an investment of 27 billion dollars are in Nigeria, mainly in the manufacturing sector and employ the largest number of people after the Federal Government.
He noted that: “Owing to the special relationship, India had invited Nigeria as a Guest Country during her presidency of G20. We had a memorable visit of President Bola Tinubu to the G20 Summit in September, 2023 that consolidated the ties further.
“Out of the 14 billion dollars promised during this visit as investment into Nigerian economy, 7 billion dollars has already been signed immediately after the visit.”
The envoy reiterated his country’s commitment to deepen the India-Nigeria ties in terms of the recent visit by India External Affairs Minister, Dr. Subrahmanyan Jaishankar for the Joint Commission meeting held in Nigeria.
The envoy attributed progress made by his country to the working of his country’s Constitution adopted in 1950, saying from the end of the last century till now, India has become one of the fastest growing emerging economies.
He said: “Today with more that 3.7 trillion dollars GDP, her economy is the fifth largest in the world. Education, health and economy have been consistent targets of successive governments in India resulting in all round improvement of standard of living of Indian citizens.
“We run one of the world’s largest health insurance schemes, made education a fundamental right, continue with the biggest welfare initiative in providing food grains to significant percentage of Indian citizens, increased the paying capacity of the people and provided equal opportunities to all.
“We have drawn up schemes to uplift the vulnerable and on gender equality, passed legislation providing 33per cent reservation for women in parliament, to name a few.
“Starting from 1964, we have been providing scholarship for a large number of short-term courses under the Indian Technical and Economic Partnership to people around the world.
“We have become significant development partner through Lines of Credit and Grants-in-Aid to the global south, which today stands at 39 billion dollars, which includes more than 12 billion dollars to Africa,” he added.
Also speaking at the occasion, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who was represented by Ambassador Alex Kefas, Director of Europe and Regions in the ministry, said Nigeria-India cordial and friendly relations dates back to 1958.
According to him, the bond between the two countries is deep and can be characterized by historical and cultural connections strengthened through our shared struggle for independence, which formed basis for their partnership.
“The state of Nigeria-India economic relations has seen remarkable improvement in recent years. Trade volume between the two countries has increased significantly.
“India is now Nigeria’s largest trading partner in Africa and the highest importer of Nigeria’sCrude Ol. Similarly, Nigeria is India’s largest trading partner in A fica.
“Bilateral trade between both countries in the last two years amounted to approximately 14.95 billion dollars in the formal sector and about USD 5 billion in the informal sector,” Tuggar said.
He said Nigeria will continue to open its door for collaboration with India as pathway to advance cordial relationship and between both countries.
The event attracted Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Mrs. Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Dr Jamila Ibrahim, Minister of Youth Development, Mrs. Pauline Tallen, former Minister of Women Affairs and diplomats, among others.
With 150 Companies and $27b Investment in Nigeria, India Interested in More, Says Envoy
News
Jos DisCo offers Gombe Staff free medical care, drugs
Jos DisCo offers Gombe Staff free medical care, drugs
The management of Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) has conducted a free medical examinations as well as distributed free drugs to its staff in Gombe State Office, as part of its health advocacy to improve wellbeing of its employees and boost productivity.
As part of JEDC’s health initiative, a fitness walk was also organised on Saturday for all employees in Gombe State.
A fitness coach, Jauro Dauda, who led the walk urged officials of JED to prioritise regular exercise as part of efforts to maintain good health and boost productivity.
The exercise began at the company’s state headquarters, from where officials trekked to Pantami Stadium.
At the stadium, staff members participated in various physical exercises before returning to the office premises for medical examinations.
Speaking to participants, Dauda emphasised the need for a healthy lifestyle through eating nutritious foods and regular exercise.
“For you to function well, you need to keep your body fit. So I advise each and every one of you to create time at home. You can take your wife on a walk.
“The content of what we eat today can cause a lot of health issues like hypertension and diabetes. Knowing your health status is very important; knowing it is good to living long,” he said.
Also speaking, the Gombe State Operating Officer of JEDC, Rilwan Shehu, expressed satisfaction with the turnout and encouraged staff to sustain the culture of exercise beyond organised events.
“We are happy that we can exercise not only in the stadium; you can exercise at home,” Shehu said.
He added that the company operates an inclusive system that promotes unity among staff.
“We in JEDC operate an open-door policy; there is no junior or senior cadre. We do things together and we win together,” he said.
Jos DisCo offers Gombe Staff free medical care, drugs
News
Customs officer killed in gun attack after cannabis seizure in Ogun
Customs officer killed in gun attack after cannabis seizure in Ogun
By: Zagazola Makama
A senior officer of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), ASC Akinyode Mustapha, has been shot dead by unknown gunmen following the interception of a vehicle loaded with cannabis in Imeko area of Ogun State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that a team of officers from the NCS Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, Ikeja, led by DSC Ogundana Oluwademi, had on Feb. 2, at about 11:40 p.m., intercepted a Sienna bus loaded with suspected cannabis at Oke-Agbede via Imeko.
The driver of the vehicle, however, escaped on foot.
“While the team was returning to Lagos with the seized exhibit vehicle, they came under gunfire by unknown assailants at the Immigration checkpoint, Idofa, Imeko,” the sources said.
The sources added that a bullet struck ASC Akinyode Mustapha, aged 50, during the attack.
He was immediately rushed to the General Hospital, Ilaro, where he was later confirmed dead by the medical doctor on duty.
Upon receipt of the report on Feb. 4 at about 3:30 p.m., security forces stormed the scene. No expended ammunition or cartridge was recovered at the location, and photographs of the scene were taken.
The team leader reportedly released the corpse to the deceased’s family for burial, while the seized exhibit vehicle had earlier been taken to the NCS base in Lagos.
The sources said preliminary investigation was ongoing to verify the claims and unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Further developments will be communicated, the command said.
Customs officer killed in gun attack after cannabis seizure in Ogun
News
VP Shettima Leads FG Delegation To Condole With Victims Of Kwara Attack
VP Shettima Leads FG Delegation To Condole With Victims Of Kwara Attack
***Assures all hands are on deck to restore peace, tranquility to Kaiama
***Says President Tinubu has directed NEMA to mobilise resources to support distressed communities
By: Our Reporter
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has reaffirmed the determination of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that peace and tranquillity are restored in Nuku and Woro villages in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State in the aftermath of Tuesday’s attacks on the communities by terrorists.
He assured the people of the communities that while the President had ordered the deployment of a battalion of the Nigerian Army to Kaiama, all hands were already on deck to rid the affected communities and the entire state of insecurity.

Senator Shettima gave the assurance on Saturday when he led a Federal Government delegation to commiserate with the people of Kaiama Local Government and the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, over the deadly terrorist attack that claimed several lives.
The Vice President disclosed that President Tinubu has instructed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to mobilise all resources, in partnership with the Kwara State Emergency Management Agency, to provide succour and support to the distress communities.

“Your Excellency, we are here at the behest of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to commiserates with you and the good people of Kaiama and Kwara State, by extension, over the tragedy that befell our communities of Woro and Nuku on the evening of Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
“That tragic killings had shocked Nigerians because the victims were peaceful members of the communities that were dedicated to building peaceful livelihood, while they practice their religion in the peaceful and harmonious manner that the injunctions of Islam has instructed,” he said
VP Shettima extended what he described as the heartfelt condolences of President Tinubu and the Federal Government to the government and those who lost their loved ones in the gory attacks, noting that all hands were already on deck to restore peace in the community.

“Please, accept our heartfelt condolences, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. A battalion of the Nigerian Army had been deployed to Kaiama and all hands are on deck to ensure that peace and tranquility is restored to those communities,” he assured.
The VP did not disclose the measures being taken to restore peace in the area, observing however that “security issues are sensitive issues and we do not have to divulge most of the actions that are being taken by our security establishment.
“But I’m here fundamentally to commiserates with the government and people of Kwara and the people of Kaiama, in particular, over the tragic loss of lives and to reassure the good people of the state of harmony. Our prayers are with you, our empathy is with you,” the Vice President added.
Earlier, Chairman of the North East Governors Forum, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, extended the condolences and sympathy of the North East Governors to the people and government of Kwara State over the tragedy.

He said, “As Muslims, we believe in destiny and it is our sincere hope that, by God’s grace, this act will not happen again. Our prayers are with you and it is our sincere prayer that Almighty Allah will forgive those that have lost their lives and grant them Aljannah firdaus,” Governor Zulum prayed.
Responding, the Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRazaq, applauded the swift response of the Federal Government to the incident, saying “as confirmed by the Local Government Chairman, troops are already on ground and the Operation Savannah Shield is in motion.
“As you can see, we were welcomed at the airport by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) Second Division of the Nigerian Army. A DIG is on ground. We truly appreciate the response of the Federal Government, and representatives of NEMA have been on ground since the incident happened.”
The Governor called for continued prayers for better a situation and better security in Nigeria, just as he said, “One is short of words and what to say but we will continue to support our President, the Vice President and our leadership for God to guide them in the affairs of this nation.”
Also, the Chairman of Kaiama local government area, Hon. Abdullahi Abubakar Danladi, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for the immediate deployment of a military battalion in the area, and thanked the Governor of Kwara state for his leadership.
On his part, the Emir of Kaiama, HRH Alhaji Mu’azu Shehu Omar, also applauded President Tinubu for the prompt action taken after the massacre that in Kaiama.
“We really appreciate the effort of President Tinubu. Since the incident happened on Tuesday, he has shown concerned toward us. The security personnel and other relevant agencies are adequately deployed to arrest the situation,” the traditional ruler said.
Other dignitaries present during the visit include the Director-General of NEMA), Zubaida Umar; Sen. Ali Mohammed Ndume; Managing Director, Niger Delta Power Holding Company Ltd (NDPHC), Eng. Jennifer Adighije; former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo Agege, and members of Kwara State House of Assembly, among others.
VP Shettima Leads FG Delegation To Condole With Victims Of Kwara Attack
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