The President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dele Kelvin Oye, has called for greater collaboration between Nigeria and India to further expand the existing $11.8 billion trade relationship between the two nations. Oye’s remarks were made during his participation at the Nigeria-India Business Summit, organized by the Nigerian India Business Council (NIBC), led by Sir Emeka Offor, in Abuja.
In his speech, Oye lauded the role of NIBC in fostering economic ties between Nigeria and India, highlighting the organization’s contributions to facilitating trade relations, boosting investment, and deepening the partnership between the two countries. He emphasized that the continued cooperation between both nations holds immense potential to unlock even greater economic opportunities.
The summit, which attracted key business leaders, government officials, and high-ranking members of the private sector, was a significant event that underscored the importance of international partnerships in driving economic progress. Notable attendees included Nigerian business magnates like Hajia Bola Shagaya, Dr. Kamoru Yusuf of Kam Steel, and James Uduji of Comestar. From India, Dr. S. Jaishankar, India’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rekha Sharma from NIBC India, and Khurshed Daruvala from the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) also graced the event.
The gathering also saw the participation of several Nigerian state governors, including Alh. Yahaya Inuwa, Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State; Engr. Abdulahi A. Sule, Governor of Nasarawa State; Alh. Mohammed Umar Bago, Governor of Niger State; and Alh. Farouk Lawal Jobe, Deputy Governor of Katsina State. Additionally, ministers such as Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite (Industry, Trade, and Investment), Alh. Shuaibu Abubarkar Audu (Steel), Adegboyega Oyetola (Marine and Blue Economy), and Atiku Bagudu (Budget and Economic Planning) were present, with Ambassador Akinremi Bolaji representing the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The summit served as a vital platform for dialogue, offering a space for discussing strategic ways to enhance trade, investment, and economic development between the two nations. Oye expressed his appreciation for the significant role Sir Emeka Offor has played in steering the NIBC towards becoming a key player in Nigeria’s international business landscape. He noted that NIBC’s efforts in organizing the summit have helped establish it as a powerful vehicle for advancing Nigeria’s economic diplomacy.
In his remarks, Oye further stated that the event demonstrated the potential for future growth through continued collaboration. He mentioned that the initiatives and partnerships formed during the summit would lay the groundwork for a prosperous future for both countries, based on mutual respect and shared aspirations.
Oye concluded by noting that the success of the Nigeria-India Business Summit had set a precedent for future international economic forums and underscored the pivotal role of organizations like NACCIMA and NIBC in propelling Nigeria’s economic diplomacy forward.
