$14b trade volume: We are ready to deepen ties with Nigeria — India High Commissioner

IN the spirit of promoting investment and trade between both countries, India has expressed keen interest in deepening economic ties with Nigeria.

Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Amb. Abhay Thakur, said this during a courtesy visit to Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje on Friday in Kano.

Thakur noted that India and Nigeria are bonded by long-standing relationship that is based on mutual respect predating the independence of the two countries.

”We are Nigeria’s largest trading partner and the country is our largest trading partner in Africa. Our bilateral trade volume reaches $14 billion in 2020 and we export various goods ranging from machinery and agriculture products to the tune of $3.5 billion to Nigeria,” he said.

Calling for greater bilateral trade co-operation between Nigeria and India, Thakur said it would be a way of fostering the existing friendly trade and economic relations between the two countries which dated back to 1960.

In his response, Ganduje affirmed that relations between the countries have been warm and cordial; and have witnessed growth and transformation.

The governor called for effective collaboration between India and Kano on energy, healthcare and the film industry, adding that Indian farm implements have helped to boost rice production in Nigeria.

Ganduje commended Indian companies for their good works in the state including a hydro power project and the Indian rice mill in Kano, which he said, is the biggest in West Africa.

He disclosed that the state government has sponsored hundreds of students to study in India.