PM Visit to Nigeria

Source: The post PM Visit to Nigeria has been created, based on the article “India’s strategic focus on West Africa” published in “The Hindu” on 5th December 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – International Relations

Context: This article highlights the growing strategic significance of West Africa for India, focusing on the recent visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Nigeria. The visit is framed as part of India’s broader efforts to strengthen ties with African nations, with Nigeria emerging as a central partner. PM Visit to Nigeria.

What is the significance of his visit to Nigeria?

1. It marks PM first African visit in his third term. It is also the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria in 17 years.
2. The visit highlights India’s rising global stature, demonstrated by PM receiving Nigeria’s second-highest national award, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, a rare honor previously conferred on Queen Elizabeth II.

Why are India-Nigeria ties strategically important?

1. Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy and democracy.
2. It is a regional hegemon in West Africa and influential in the African Union.
3. Strengthened ties could have far-reaching implications across Africa.

What areas of cooperation did India and Nigeria discuss?

1. India and Nigeria recently discussed cooperation in areas such as defence, energy, technology, trade, health, and education, as well as security issues, including counterterrorism efforts against groups like Boko Haram and the potential purchase of Indian weapons.
2. India’s defence engagement with Nigeria has been highlighted by: Indian defence industry delegation’s visit to Lagos earlier in 2023 and Nigeria’s interest in acquiring arms from India.

How India contributed to Nigeria’s development?

India contributed to Nigeria’s development through concessional loans worth $100 million and by offering capacity-building training programs.

How extensive is China’s economic involvement in Nigeria?

1. Over 200 Chinese companies operate in Nigeria. Nigeria is China’s largest export market in Africa and its second-largest trading partner.
2. $47 billion for 22 major projects, including the Lekki Deep Sea Port, Abuja Light Rail, and airport terminal expansions.
3. Huawei’s deployment of over 27,500 mobile phone towers and 10,000 km of fibre optic cable.
4. China plays in Nigeria’s mining sector: China is building the first lithium-processing plant via Ming Xin Mineral Separation Nig Ltd, aiming to produce batteries for electric vehicles.
5. Unique projects highlighting China’s influence: Construction of a cement plant in collaboration with Dangote Industries and Huawei’s electronic surveillance system for land borders.

How does India compare to China in Nigeria’s economy?

Despite declining trade (from $14.95 billion in 2021-22 to $7.89 billion in 2023-24), India remains a key partner. Trade decline is attributed to India increasing oil imports from Russia.