By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
Nigeria’s High Commissioner to India, Saidu Dahiru Muhammad, has called for stronger economic and diplomatic relations between Nigeria and India, highlighting investment, trade, healthcare, energy and mining as key areas for expanded cooperation.
Muhammad spoke 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, the Nigerian community and other stakeholders aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and addressing issues affecting Nigerians in the country.
He said diplomatic formalities were completed swiftly, noting that he presented copies of his Letters of Credence and the recall letter of his predecessor within 10 days of his arrival.
Muhammad formally presented his Letters of Credence to Indian President Droupadi Murmu on August 24, exactly one month after his arrival.
According to him, the meeting with the Indian president was cordial and focused on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
He identified pharmaceuticals and healthcare, energy and renewable energy, mining and solid minerals, manufacturing, trade and investment as priority areas for deeper Nigeria-India cooperation.
Muhammad said Nigeria was seeking greater access for Nigerian businesses in the Indian market while encouraging Indian investors to expand their operations in Nigeria.
On diaspora matters, the High Commissioner said he held an early virtual meeting with Nigerians 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, students’ welfare and medical-related issues.
Muhammad disclosed that he subsequently engaged officials of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, particularly those handling Central and West Africa, to seek solutions to some of the challenges confronting Nigerians in the country.
He commended the Indian government for its amnesty programme, which allows Nigerians and other affected foreigners residing illegally in the country to regularise their status or leave voluntarily without penalties.
The High Commissioner said the initial six-month amnesty period was extended by an additional three months following his appointment.
He disclosed that more than 4,000 Nigerians had taken advantage of the programme to leave India voluntarily, while Nigeria had requested a further three-to-six-month extension to enable more citizens to regularize their status.
Muhammad said he had also kept Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs abreast of his activities through diplomatic dispatches detailing his engagements and discussions since assuming office.
He expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigerians at home and abroad for their support, stressing that his appointment was a responsibility to serve Nigeria’s interests rather than a personal achievement.
The High Commissioner reaffirmed his commitment to advancing economic diplomacy, strengthening Nigeria-India relations and addressing issues affecting Nigerians resident in India.
