Nigeria-India trade rises to $9 billion, Indian companies create 100,000 jobs in Nigeria

This was disclosed by the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Abishek Singh, who noted that over 200 Indian companies operating in Nigeria have created close to 100,000 jobs for Nigerians, making them the second-largest employers of Nigerian workers after the Federal Government. The High Commissioner stated that the growth reflects an expanding strategic partnership beyond traditional oil and historical ties, now encompassing investment, security, technology, agriculture, healthcare, and energy. Indian companies are active in pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, power, construction, consumer goods, healthcare, and services, with many establishing production plants in Nigeria.

The relationship, rooted in anti-colonial solidarity and South-South cooperation, was elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2007. High-level political engagements include President Bola Tinubu’s visit to India in September 2023 and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Nigeria in November 2024. India has also extended concessional lines of credit worth $395 million to Nigeria and offers capacity-building programs.

India's Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Vertika Rawat, added that India supplies roughly 40 percent of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical imports, with pharmaceutical exports to Nigeria reaching $315 million in the