By Gabriel Ameh
Shettima In India, Leads Nigeria’s Push For Bigger BRICS Trade And Investment Opportunities
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in New Delhi, India, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit, as Nigeria seeks to deepen trade, investment and strategic cooperation with India and other emerging economies.
Shettima is leading a high-level Nigerian delegation to the summit, which is being held under the theme, “Building Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
The delegation includes the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani; and Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, among other senior government officials.
Nigeria’s participation comes as the Federal Government seeks to turn its BRICS partnership into greater economic opportunities through increased investment, expanded markets and stronger cooperation with emerging economies.
Ahead of the summit, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria would explore areas of cooperation with India in agriculture, technology, artificial intelligence, trade and the digital economy.
The minister highlighted India’s experience in using technology and artificial intelligence to engage its large youthful population, saying the model could provide useful lessons for Nigeria.
She also pointed to India’s strengths in agriculture and the digital economy as areas where Nigeria could deepen cooperation.
Meanwhile, Oduwole said the government was working to strengthen Nigeria’s trade relationship with India, which she said had reached about $14 billion in the past.
According to her, major investors of Indian origin have expressed interest in meeting with the Nigerian delegation during the visit, while Nigeria will also pursue stronger commercial relationships with other BRICS countries.
The minister said Nigeria is particularly interested in increasing India’s purchases of Nigerian crude oil, considering India’s previous importance as a market for Nigeria’s petroleum exports.
Beyond trade, Shettima is expected to participate in high-level discussions with BRICS leaders and partner countries on global economic growth, resilience, innovation and sustainable development.
He is also expected to hold bilateral engagements focused on advancing Nigeria’s interests in trade, investment, agriculture, technology and industrial development.
Nigeria became a BRICS partner country in January 2025, providing the country with a platform to strengthen South-South cooperation and expand its economic and diplomatic engagement with major emerging economies.
The Nigerian delegation will also participate in the BRICS open session and other activities scheduled on the sidelines of the summit.
