Lagos State and India are exploring avenues to deepen their economic partnership, leveraging shared interests in trade, investment, and technological collaboration. This comes amid broader efforts by Nigeria and India to bolster bilateral relations, as highlighted during the India Trade Expo 2025, recently inaugurated by the Acting High Commissioner of India to Nigeria, Vartika Rawat.
The expo, held in Lagos, serves as a platform to enhance economic collaboration between the two nations. Rawat emphasized the longstanding ties between Nigeria and India, which date back to 1958, noting that Nigeria remains one of India’s most valued partners in Africa. With over 200 Indian-origin companies operating in Nigeria and more than 50,000 Indian expatriates residing in the country, India’s contributions to Nigeria’s economy are substantial, second only to the federal government in terms of employment generation.
The bilateral relationship has seen renewed vigor following Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to India for the G20 Summit in September 2023. During the summit, India played a pivotal role in advocating for Africa’s inclusion as a permanent member of the G20. The collaboration was further reinforced by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Nigeria in November 2024, where both leaders committed to expanding ties across sectors such as energy, healthcare, defence, and food security.
Efforts are underway to finalize agreements like the Economic Cooperation Agreement (ECA) and Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), aimed at boosting trade and investment. The partnership has also identified key areas for collaboration, including renewable energy, agriculture, infrastructure development, and digital financial services like India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which could revolutionize Nigeria’s financial landscape.
As Lagos positions itself as a hub for international trade under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, the city is set to benefit significantly from India’s investments and expertise. The ongoing discussions signal promising opportunities for shared growth and prosperity between Lagos State and India.
