Would you like to receive notifications on latest updates of the following headlines?

Tinubu, India PM sign pacts to foster collaboration in defence, economy

POSTED ON November 18, 2024 •   BREAKING NEWS      BY Benedicta Bassey
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nigeria President Bola Tinubu during Modi's visit at the presidential Villa in Abuja. Photo: Guardian

NIGERIA Nigeria and India have entered into partnership to foster collaboration in  defence, economic development, food security, healthcare and energy.

The duo countries signed the series of agreements to sealed the deal during the state visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Nigeria at the invitation of President Bola Tinubu.

The visit among other things at the  Presidential Villa in Abuja, included high-level bilateral talks on key areas to boost cooperation between the two nations.

This information was contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga on Monday.

The statement titled, ‘Nigeria, India reinforce strategic partnership, vow to boost economic, defence, health and food security,' the two leaders signal greater collaboration in counterterrorism, maritime security, and intelligence sharing.

The two countries pledged to continue regular naval exercises and joint anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Guinea to safeguard critical maritime routes.

The statement in parts read: “The leaders reiterated their unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the cross-border movement of terrorists and terror financing networks and safe havens.

“They called for zero tolerance to terrorism and expeditious finalisation and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International terrorism in the UN Framework as well as implementation of the UNGA and the UNSC resolutions on countering terrorism and violent extremism.

“It was agreed to enhance cooperation in the area of counter terrorism,” the joint statement said

In his part, India Prime Minister, Modi reiterated India’s readiness to support Nigeria’s defence modernisation efforts.

 The two leaders also highlighted the vibrant economic relationship between India and Nigeria, with India positioned as Nigeria’s largest trading partner and a significant contributor to its economy.

On bilateral trade expansion, both leaders directed their officials to finalise pending agreements, including the Economic Cooperation Agreement, Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement, and the Bilateral Investment Treaty, to boost trade and investment.

On infrastructure development, India reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s development priorities through concessional lines of credit and technical expertise.

On energy collaboration, Nigeria and India agreed on long-term contracts for crude oil and LNG supply and technical support in pipeline transmission security, CNG conversion and LPG bottling distribution.

Both leaders however agreed that food security, would remains a priority for developing countries especially with bigger populations.

“Nigeria thanked India for providing the necessary concessions sought for in the supply of rice at the time of their need.

“They agreed to enhance collaboration in the area of agriculture from agricultural machinery, high yield seeds to sharing technical expertise, know-how and technologies and agreed to identify ways of cooperation in these areas.

“The Indian side thanked the Nigerian side for supporting the Indian Resolution at the UN to declare 2023 as the International Year of Millets and agreed to increase collaboration between India and Nigeria in the area of Millets,” read the joint statement.

On healthcare sector, Nigeria and India pledged to deepen their collaboration focusing on the establishment of hospitals and diagnostic centres, as well as the deployment of innovative health management systems.

The government of Indian also extended its commitment to supply high-quality generic pharmaceutical products to Nigeria at economical rates under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana scheme- a campaign launched by India’s Department of Pharmaceuticals to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to the masses.

This initiative is aimed at making essential medicines more affordable, particularly for vulnerable populations, and supporting Nigerian public hospital procurement processes.

Nigeria and India reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration on education, cultural exchanges, and fostering strong people-to-people contacts, building on longstanding historical ties and mutual aspirations.

Both sides agreed to work together to encourage more Nigerian students to leverage these scholarship programmes.

The two countries reiterated their joint commitment to UN Security Council reform and mutual support for permanent and non-permanent memberships.

Tinubu conferred upon Modi Nigeria’s second highest national honour, Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger.

He said the honour is “To signify our appreciation of India as Nigeria’s partner.”

READ ALSO
South-West Demands Five New States and Constitutional Recognition for Traditional Rulers in Ongoing Constitutional Review
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 4, 2025 0

The demand for the establishment of five new states, the recognition of traditional rulers in the co...

READ ALSO
Federal High Court Orders Reinstatement of  Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Calls Suspension "Excessive"
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 4, 2025 0

A Federal High Court in Abuja ruled on Friday that the Nigerian Senate exceeded its authority by sus...

READ ALSO
Calls for Autopsy: Ondo Govt. Faces Pressure to Exhume Late Governor Akeredolu's Body
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 30, 2025 0

The Ondo State Government may need to exhume the body of the late governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, f...

READ ALSO
Tinubu to Discuss Sustainable Governance at BRICS Summit in Rio
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 29, 2025 0

President Bola Tinubu arrived in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, on Saturday for the first leg of his two-p...

READ ALSO
Reps Launches Committee to Review CNG Policy Implementation
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 27, 2025 0

The House of Representatives has formed an ad-hoc committee tasked with examining the Federal Govern...

READ ALSO
Nigeria Takes Bold Step towards Energy Independence with Naira-Based Crude Sales Initiative
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 25, 2025 0

The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, alongside the Federal Government’s One-Stop-Sho...

READ ALSO
IPMAN Links Rising Petrol Prices to Crude Oil Costs and Market Dynamics
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 24, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria (NAN) - The Public Relations Officer of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Associati...

READ ALSO
Tinubu Launches National Mechanised Farming Programme to Tackle Food Insecurity
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 23, 2025 0

In a bid to combat food insecurity and encourage youth participation in farming, President Bola Tinu...

OUR CHANNELS:

Reinventing Nigeria’s Fiscal Framework: A Call for Unity and Responsibility
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 9, 2025 0

President Bola Tinubu has emphasized his government's dedication to allocating sufficient resources...


CBN Mandates Capital Restoration Plans for Banks: A Step Towards Regulatory Compliance
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 8, 2025 0

The Central Bank of Nigeria has instructed banks to provide a capital restoration plan as part of it...


Nigeria Faces Teacher Shortage: Over 31 Million Learners Rely on Just 915,913 Educators
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 9, 2025 0

According to data from the Universal Basic Education, only 915,913 teachers are available for at lea...


Tinubu Calls for Equitable Global Framework at BRICS Summit
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 8, 2025 0

President Bola Tinubu has advocated for a more equitable global framework regarding climate action,...


Two Men Charged in CBEX Investment Scheme Remain in Custody
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 8, 2025 0

A Federal High Court in Abuja has placed two businessmen, Aweruso Otorudo and Chukwuebuka Ehirim, in...


LASG Takes Action, Dismantled  Illegal Checkpoints Along Badagry Expressway
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 8, 2025 0

LAGOS, Nigeria - The Lagos State government has dismantled illegal checkpoints along the Lagos&ndash...


Natasha's Return Plans on Hold as Senate Awaits Court Judgment Copy
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 8, 2025 0

The suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has declared her intention...


Nigerian States Accumulate N417.7 Billion in Domestic Debt Amid Rising FAAC Revenue
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 8, 2025 0

At least 10 Nigerian states have cumulatively increased their domestic debt by N417.7 billion from t...


Governor Otti Facilitates Release of Inmates After 26 Years
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 9, 2025 0

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State on Saturday welcomed three Nigerians who were released after spendi...


Tinubu Pledges to Eliminate Bureaucratic Hurdles in Agriculture During Bilateral Talks with Brazil
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 9, 2025 0

President Bola Tinubu expressed his commitment on Saturday to his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inacio...


More Articles

Load more...

Menu