Nigeria has entered into bilateral talks with the India on ways to enhance development in renewable energy, information and communications technology (ICT).
The discussion, according to the acting executive secretary, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Mr. Emeka Offor, was the central point of a renewed commitment by both countries during the commemoration of the 73rd Republic Day of India hosted by the Indian High Commission on Wednesday in Abuja.
Mr. Offor who spoke on the cordial relationship between Nigeria and the Republic of India, and the need to increase investment in the ICT sector, said that the NIPC is leveraging on the strategic partnership between the two countries to diversify the economy, create more jobs and wealth in the country.
The NIPC boss explained that considering Nigeria’s quest to diversify its economy and reduce absolute dependence on oil, NIPC is consulting with India on developing the ICT sector.
Mr. Offor said, “Following the pandemic, ICT was one of the sectors that did very well and we regard them as winners because a lot of things can be done using technology.
“So that is why we see a lot of traction in areas like ICT, e-commerce, health- tech, amongst others. We are leveraging on the relationship we have with India to attract as much tractions to Nigeria’s ICT space from India,” the NIPC boss stated.
Speaking on behalf of the Indian government, India’s acting High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Velagaleti Surendra, said that Nigeria remains India’s most strategic partner in Africa, assuring that India is ready to support Nigeria in growing its economy.
Surendra further said that apart from the ICT, India is also working on diversifying its investments in renewable energy as it is exploring new areas to diversify its investments in the country.
“One potential area we see is in renewable energy because there is a lot of interest in Nigeria in solar energy, setting up of solar plants and even in the agricultural sector.
“We see that renewable energy is a major growth opportunity for both countries and of course in areas of health, setting up of hospitals, in education, setting up for institutes of educations, learning centers. So the opportunities are endless and we hope to see much collaboration between both countries,” Surendra said.
Nigeria is the largest trading partner of India in the African region. The country is one of the most important energy partners for India as a country, whereas Indian investments are strong in Nigeria.
India has over 135 companies in various sectors, pharmaceuticals, power, vehicles and lots more. The High Commissioner said he sees potentials for more collaboration between the two countries because, according to him, Indian industries are here to be part of Nigeria’s growth.
By Sunday Elom
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