The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Government of India have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation aimed at promoting economic growth, capacity building, and sustainable development.
The commitment was underscored on Tuesday when the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, and the Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Doris Anite Uzoka, received a delegation from the National Defence College in Abuja.
The delegation, led by Ms. Anvita Sinha, Joint Secretary in the Government of India and Head of the National Defence College Study Tour, visited Nigeria as part of a strategic engagement programme aimed at gaining deeper insights into the country’s economic environment, security landscape, foreign policy priorities, and development agenda.
Speaking during the meeting, Bagudu described Nigeria and India as longstanding partners united by friendship, mutual respect, and shared aspirations for economic development. He noted that India’s experience in economic transformation, federal governance, and inclusive growth offers valuable lessons for developing nations.
The minister said Nigeria’s economic planning framework remains focused on fostering inclusive growth and balanced development across the federation. He added that addressing modern security challenges such as poverty, unemployment, migration, and environmental pressures requires integrated policy approaches that promote economic inclusion, institutional resilience, and sustainable development.
Also addressing the delegation, Anite said the visit provided an important platform for mutual learning and stronger bilateral engagement. She highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to strengthen economic planning and implement national development priorities, while commending India’s achievements in sectors such as agriculture, technology, housing, and human capital development.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Deborah Odoh, described the engagement as a valuable opportunity for dialogue and the exchange of ideas on economic development, strategic planning, and security-related issues. She reiterated the ministry’s commitment to fostering partnerships that support sustainable growth and strengthen international cooperation.
India’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Abhishek Singh, praised the cordial relations between both countries, describing the partnership as enduring and built on trust and strategic cooperation.
He noted that the Indian delegation had already held discussions with key Nigerian institutions, including the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence, as well as senior military officials, reflecting the expanding scope of bilateral collaboration.
Singh also highlighted the success of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme, revealing that it has trained more than 25,000 Nigerians and continues to provide professional development opportunities for civilian and military personnel.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Ms. Sinha expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning for hosting the team and facilitating productive discussions on Nigeria’s economic outlook and development priorities.
The visit is expected to further strengthen cooperation between Nigeria and India in key areas including economic planning, human capital development, security, and sustainable growth.
