By Gabriel Ameh
NEW DELHI: Nigeria’s High Commissioner to India, Saidu Dahiru Muhammad, has called for stronger economic and diplomatic ties between Nigeria and India, with trade, investment, healthcare, energy and diaspora welfare among his priorities.
Muhammad made the disclosure during an interactive session with diplomatic correspondents in New Delhi covering the 2026 BRICS Summit.
The envoy, who arrived in India on July 23, said his first month in office had been marked by engagements with Indian authorities, Nigerian officials and members of the Nigerian community across the country.
He said he received a warm welcome from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, officials of the Nigerian High Commission and members of the Nigerian community.
According to him, his diplomatic formalities progressed quickly, as he presented copies of his Letters of Credence and the recall letter of his predecessor within 10 days of his arrival.
He subsequently presented his Letters of Credence to Indian President Droupadi Murmu on August 24, exactly one month after arriving in the country.
Muhammad said one of his first major engagements was a virtual meeting with Nigerians living across India, during which he urged them to obey Indian laws, engage only in legitimate activities and protect Nigeria’s image.
He said members of the Nigerian community raised concerns over visa overstays, renewals and extensions, as well as students’ welfare and medical-related issues.
The High Commissioner said he later engaged officials of India’s Ministry of External Affairs responsible for Central and West Africa to discuss challenges affecting Nigerians resident in the country.
He also commended the Indian government for introducing an amnesty programme that allowed Nigerians and other affected foreigners living illegally in the country to regularise their status or voluntarily leave without penalties.
Muhammad disclosed that more than 4,000 Nigerians had taken advantage of the programme to leave India voluntarily.
He added that Nigeria had requested a further extension of between three and six months to give more Nigerians an opportunity to regularise their immigration status or make arrangements to leave the country.
On his meeting with President Murmu, Muhammad described the August 24 presentation of credentials as cordial and fruitful.
He said both countries discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation in areas considered critical to Nigeria’s economic development.
The envoy identified pharmaceuticals and healthcare, energy and renewable energy, mining and solid minerals, manufacturing, trade and investment as priority areas for deeper collaboration.
He said Nigeria wants greater access for its businesses in India while encouraging Indian companies and investors to increase their investments and operations in Nigeria.
Muhammad also disclosed that he had kept Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed about his activities through diplomatic dispatches detailing his engagements and discussions since assuming office.
The High Commissioner expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigerians at home and abroad for their support.
He described his appointment as a responsibility to serve Nigeria’s interests rather than a personal achievement.
Muhammad reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Nigeria-India relations, promoting economic diplomacy and addressing challenges affecting Nigerians living in India.
