KEY POINTS
- ACCI calls for a structured Nigeria-India Private Sector Dialogue to boost business ties.
- Chamber identifies textiles and gemstones as priority sectors for immediate collaboration.
- Indian High Commissioner cites mining, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals as strong opportunities.
The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry wants a formal structure behind Nigeria-India business engagement, and it took the case directly to the Indian High Commission this week, calling for a dedicated private sector dialogue that would give companies from both countries a regular platform to trade, partner, and invest.
Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, ACCI First Deputy President and National Vice President for India at the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, led the delegation to the High Commission and made the chamber’s position plain. “Our goal is to establish a structured platform where business stakeholders from both countries can regularly engage and promote stronger Nigeria India bilateral trade,” he said.
Textiles and gemstones lead the pitch
Adesugba pointed to two sectors where he said collaboration could begin quickly. The textile industry, he argued, offers immediate scope for sourcing arrangements, manufacturing partnerships, and supply chain development between Nigerian and Indian businesses.
The gemstone sector, he added, represents an underutilised opportunity where Indian investors could support Nigeria in developing, processing, and trading its mineral resources more effectively.
India sees investment signals in the bilateral trade
Indian High Commissioner Abhishek Singh responded with measured optimism, telling the ACCI delegation that India was already picking up encouraging signals in Nigeria, particularly around investment. He noted that several Nigerian businesses operating in India were performing well, a relationship he said provided a foundation to build on.
Singh also pointed to mining, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, solid minerals, and textiles as sectors offering genuine scope for Nigeria India bilateral trade expansion. He also disclosed that two textile-related events were scheduled for 2026, including one in June, which he said could give businesses from both sides a concrete opportunity to connect and explore collaboration.
