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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
2027: Constituents declare support for Tinubu, Goje’s re-election
2027: Constituents declare support for Tinubu, Goje’s re-election
Yamaltu/Deba constituents have declared support for President Bola Tinubu and Senator Danjuma Goje’s re-election ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
Dr Newton Moses, declared the support in a statement read on behalf of the people of Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State on Friday in Gombe.
Moses said voting for experienced leaders in 2027 remained key to addressing Nigeria’s challenges and delivering dividends of democracy to Nigerians.
He said the group’s decision to support Tinubu and Goje was guided by patriotism, and a sincere desire to see competent, and result-driven leadership that would benefit their constituents and the country.
He said that Goje’s leadership in the past 16 years at the Senate has benefitted the constituents and given effective representation to the people of Akko and Yamaltu/Deba LGAs that make up the district.
He dismissed allegations that the people of Yamaltu/Deba have been marginalised and were demanding the seat to be zoned to Yamaltu/Deba and not Akko where Goje is from.
He said that the constitution did not impose any zoning limitation or tenure restriction on membership in the National Assembly, hence urged those seeking the seat to test their popularity through election.
“We are not part of that group saying Goje should not return to the senate in 2027; that is not the voice of the grassroots from Yamaltu Deba.
“ Goje has, over the years, built invaluable networks and acquired the experience necessary to effectively advocate for the interests of his constituency and contribute meaningfully to national development.
“ By returning Goje to the Senate, Gombe Central stands to gain even more.
“ His established influence will ensure greater access to federal opportunities, increased developmental projects, and stronger representation in critical national decisions,” he said.
The group further advised President Tinubu to stay away from those working to tarnish the good name of Goje, stating that Goje’s influence in Gombe was important for the success of the All Progressives Congress in 2027.
Moses said at a time when Nigeria is focused on economic recovery, institutional strengthening, and inclusive growth under Tinubu, it was imperative that proven leaders like Goje to continue contributing his expertise toward national progress.
2027: Constituents declare support for Tinubu, Goje’s re-election
News
Hope in the Hard Times: Ashlee Momoh Foundation Spreads Easter Joy to Military Widows
Hope in the Hard Times: Ashlee Momoh Foundation Spreads Easter Joy to Military Widows
By Comrade Philip O. Ikodor
The Ashlee Momoh Foundation (AMF), a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the families of fallen officers, marked the Easter season with a heartwarming outreach to military widows at different locations in Abuja and Nasarawa state, respectively on April 2nd, 2026. This thoughtful initiative was designed to bring joy, hope, and support to the widows of our fallen Military Officers, who have made immense sacrifices for their country.

“Easter is the season of renewal, hope, and the triumph of light over darkness,” Princess Ashlee said. “It reminds us that even after the longest winter, spring arrives and even after the deepest sorrow, there is the possibility of a new dawn.” The outreach was designed to show support and encouragement to the military widows, and to felicitate with them on the occasion of Easter.

Princess Ashlee Momoh reassured the widows that while their loved ones are no longer physically present, their legacy lives on, and AMF is committed to standing with them, supporting them, and celebrating their strength. “Today, we celebrate you, our heroes’ widows, and the sacrifices you’ve made,” she said.
The event was filled with moments of joy and fulfilment, as beneficiaries received gift items, cash gifts, and scholarship opportunities. The Foundation also announced enlistment for skill acquisition and empowerment programs, aimed at equipping the widows with the tools they need to rebuild their lives.

The outreach was a testament to AMF’s unwavering commitment to supporting the families of fallen officers, and its dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of those who have made immense sacrifices for their country. As one beneficiary put it, “This Easter, we’ve received more than just gifts – we’ve received hope, love, and a sense of belonging.”

The Ashlee Momoh Foundation’s Easter outreach was a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope, and that together, we can overcome any challenge.
Hope in the Hard Times: Ashlee Momoh Foundation Spreads Easter Joy to Military Widows
News
Six die, 12 injured in Kwara road crash
Six die, 12 injured in Kwara road crash
By: Zagazola Makama
Six persons have been confirmed dead and 12 others injured in a fatal road traffic accident along the Okolowo–Jebba expressway in Kwara State.
Police sources said the accident occurred at about 6:00 a.m. on April 2 near Danjuma Bakery area, involving a Toyota Hummer bus and a stationary truck.
According to the sources, the bus with registration number BTR-161-XA was conveying 18 passengers from Lagos State to Katsina State when it rammed into a parked truck with registration number BUU-495-ZD.
The truck was reportedly driven by Kamarudeen Abdullahi, said to be from Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The impact of the collision resulted in the death of six passengers on the spot, while 12 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The injured victims were rushed to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Oke-Oyi, for medical attention, while the remains of the deceased were deposited in the hospital morgue for autopsy.
Police said investigation had commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Six die, 12 injured in Kwara road crash
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