Connect with us

News

With 150 Companies and $27b Investment in Nigeria, India Interested in More, Says Envoy

Published

on

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

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Zulum presents working tools to 150 almajirai trained in vocational skills

Published

on

Zulum presents working tools to 150 almajirai trained in vocational skills

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has presented working tools to 150 almajirai students trained in vocational skills by his administration.

The training covered a variety of trades, including electrical installation and repair work, solar installation and repair work, leatherwork, welding, carpentry and building construction.

The initiative also includes cash support to enable beneficiaries to start their trades and contribute to the society’s development.

It seeks to enhance individual capabilities, uplift communities and provide almajirai with sustainable pathways to economic independence.

Delivering his address, Governor Zulum emphasised that his administration would continue to foster opportunities for the almajiri learners to secure a brighter future.

“By attending this training programme, you have taken a crucial step towards securing your future; equipped with new skills, you now have the power to transform your dreams into
reality.

“As the Governor of Borno State, I assure you that our Government remains fully committed to supporting the Sangaya Islamic education. We will continue investing in Sangaya educational resources to ensure every learner can access quality teaching and learning essentials,” he stated.

Zulum, however, expressed concern about the rising cases of molestation of children in the guise of teaching Islamic education.

He said: “I would like to take this opportunity to address a critical concern: the safety and well-being of our Sangaya learners. I stand firm in the commitment that the Borno State Government will not tolerate any form of molestation or violence, such as caning against any Almajiri. Every one of you, regardless of your background, deserves to be treated with respect and dignity.

“Our commitment to safeguarding children extends beyond the Almajiri; it encompasses all children. We must work collectively to ensure our society embraces every child without prejudice. This pledge is not merely a statement; it is a call to action for every parent, educator, and community leader to safeguard the rights of our Sangaya learners.”

Speaking earlier, the chairman of Borno Sangaya Board, Kalifa Aliyu Ahmad Abulfatahi, said the programme was unveiled in 2023 as part of Zulum’s resolve to address the challenges faced by almajiri children who are traditionally engaged in Islamic schooling and often lack access to formal education and opportunities.

Sheikh Kalifa noted that the training was organised in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Board.

Also speaking, the state Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, who was represented by the Special Adviser in the ministry, Dr Bukar Tijjani, said that besides the  training, the ministry had partnered with colleges, including the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies, to provide certification for almajiri learners.

Zulum was accompanied by the members of the House of Representatives, Engr Bukar Talba and Hon Usman Zannah, the State APC Chairman, Hon Bello Ayuba, Shehu of Borno, ably represented among other dignitaries.

Zulum presents working tools to 150 almajirai trained in vocational skills

Continue Reading

Crime

Elderly Man Abducted by kidnappers n in Sabon Gari, Zaria

Published

on

Elderly Man Abducted by kidnappers n in Sabon Gari, Zaria

By Zagazola Makama

In a disturbing incident early this morning, an elderly man was kidnapped from his residence in Hayin Ojo, Sabon Gari, Zaria.

Police sources said the attack occurred at approximately 0130hrs when a group of armed men invaded the area, firing sporadically, and abducted Alhaji Saidu Mai Gold, aged 65.

The source said that the victim’s relative, reported the incident to the Sabon Gari Police Division around 0800hrs. In response, the Division’s Patrol Team was swiftly mobilized to the scene.

Efforts are currently ongoing to locate and rescue the victim.

Elderly Man Abducted by kidnappers n in Sabon Gari, Zaria

Continue Reading

Crime

Two Suspected Kidnappers Arrested in Lere LGA, Kauru

Published

on

Two Suspected Kidnappers Arrested in Lere LGA, Kauru

By: Zagazola Makama

Security operatives in Lere LGA have successfully apprehended two suspected bandits following a tip-off from local hunters.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects, identified as Sani Liman, 23, of Unguwan Fa Raminkura, and Murtala Magaji, alias Seto, 25, of Dambata Galadimawa Village in Kauru LGA, were arrested on April 15, 2025, at approximately 1330hrs.

The sources said Police personnel from Saminaka acted swiftly and arrested the suspects

Preliminary investigation has indicated that the two men may be linked to recent kidnapping activities in the region.

Police sources said that they are currently in police custody and will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

Two Suspected Kidnappers Arrested in Lere LGA, Kauru

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights