Significance of India’s PM visit to Nigeria

Source: The post significance of India’s PM visit to Nigeria has been created, based on the article “Leverage similarity, complementarity in Nigeria” published in “The Hindu” on 15th November 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper2- International Relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Context: The article discusses Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Nigeria, highlighting shared challenges, strong bilateral ties, and opportunities. It emphasizes collaboration in hydrocarbons, defense, and trade while addressing Nigeria’s economic reforms and India’s declining trade engagement.

For detailed information on India-Africa Relationship read this article here

Why is PM Modi’s Visit to Nigeria Significant?

1. PM Modi’s visit to Nigeria is his first and comes after 17 years.
2. Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country and second-largest economy.
3. India and Nigeria share historical ties as Commonwealth members. Both are large, multi-ethnic democracies facing similar challenges like governance, corruption, and terrorism.

What is the Current State of India-Nigeria Relations?

1. India is Nigeria’s second-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade at $7.9 billion, though it is half its peak a decade ago.
2. Over 150 Indian companies operate in Nigeria, investing $27 billion.
3. The Indian diaspora in Nigeria, numbering nearly 50,000, is the largest non-African group and contributes significantly to the economy.
4. India has no upstream hydrocarbon assets in Nigeria despite being a top buyer of Nigerian crude.
5. India channels its development assistance to Nigeria through the African Union, limiting direct bilateral engagement.
6. The last meeting of the bilateral joint commission took place after 13 years.

How Can India Help Nigeria?

1. Defense: Nigeria faces challenges like Boko Haram, piracy, and oil theft. India can offer defense supplies, training, and remote sensing technology to tackle terrorism (e.g., Boko Haram) and piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. Seven Nigerian Presidents since 1960 were trained in India as defense officers.
2. Economic Stabilization: Nigeria faces foreign exchange shortages and inflation (32%). Strategic initiatives such as partnerships in hydrocarbon sectors and infrastructure development can help stabilize Nigeria’s economy. India can offer large financial facilitations and consider barter arrangements to ease Nigeria’s foreign exchange shortage.
3. Trade Enhancement: Bilateral trade stands at $7.9 billion, but India’s exports fell 29.7% in 2023-24. India can increase exports to Nigeria, including essential commodities like pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, and textiles, leveraging the potential for rupee-based trade to boost bilateral trade from the current $7.9 billion.
4. Capacity Building: Offering expertise in IT, healthcare, and education can support Nigeria’s infrastructure and human resource development.

What Lessons Can Be Drawn from History?

1. Historical links date back to the 1500s with Baba Ghor, a gem merchant from Kano, Nigeria, settling in Gujarat, India.
   2. This shared history can inspire modern India-Nigeria relations to become stronger and mutually beneficial.

Way forward

India should enhance bilateral ties with Nigeria by leveraging its $27 billion investments and $7.9 billion trade relationship. Frequent high-level engagements, diaspora empowerment, and strategic initiatives in hydrocarbons, defense, and economic partnerships can boost trade. Supporting Nigeria’s reforms and offering rupee-based trade options will strengthen ties.

Question for practice:

Examine how India can leverage its historical and economic ties with Nigeria to address shared challenges and enhance bilateral relations.