By Busayo Onijala
Amb. Abhishek Singh, the High Commissioner of India to Nigeria, says Indian companies have cumulatively invested about 27 billion dollars in Nigeria across key sectors of the economy.
Singh disclosed this on Thursday while opening the 2026 India Trade Expo organised by the Indian High Commission in partnership with the Indian Professionals Forum in Lagos.
He said Indian companies in Nigeria operate in sectors including pharmaceuticals, power, transmission, manufacturing, hospitality, consumer goods retail, construction and air services.
The envoy said the trade mission was encouraged by the success of the maiden edition of the expo held in 2025.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the inaugural event recorded over 3,000 visitors.
Participating companies at the 2026 edition include Tata International Ltd., Fullmark Group, Sun Group and Sacvin Nigeria Ltd., among others.
Singh said Nigeria currently hosts more than 200 companies owned or operated by Indians and persons of Indian origin, with Lagos serving as the major hub.
“Nigeria currently has the presence of over 200 companies owned and operated by Indians or persons of Indian origin, with Lagos as the epicentre.
“There are vast opportunities for Indian enterprises in Lagos and we are committed to forging closer ties between the two countries,” he said.
The envoy urged Indian companies seeking to expand into Nigeria to comply with the country’s laws and regulations, assuring them of a supportive business environment.
“The India-Nigeria cooperation is very steady and the High Commission remains committed to supporting the growth of trade between the two countries,” Singh said.
Earlier, the Consul-General of India in Lagos, Mr Kannan Chockalingam, called for a shift from transactional trade to deeper transformational collaboration between both countries.
Chockalingam said Nigeria and India could work together to strengthen manufacturing, promote value addition, encourage joint ventures and support local capacity development.
He added that India could partner with Nigeria in areas such as technology adoption, skill transfer, renewable energy, affordable healthcare and sustainable development.
According to him, India’s experience in digital governance, small-scale industrial development and renewable energy can complement Nigeria’s vast resources, market potential and entrepreneurial strength.
“This trade show is therefore an opportunity to build partnerships, sign agreements, initiate dialogue and lay the foundation for long-term collaboration.
“I encourage Nigerian businesses to explore India as a reliable partner for quality products, technology solutions and investment collaboration.
“I also encourage Indian companies to see Nigeria not just as a market, but as a strategic gateway to West Africa and the African continent,” he said.
Also, Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, described Lagos as the primary gateway for investment into Nigeria and West Africa.
Ambrose-Medebem said Nigeria was implementing key reforms aimed at strengthening investor confidence and improving the ease of doing business.
“In recent years, significant progress has been made in simplifying business registration through digital platforms introduced by the Corporate Affairs Commission.
“Trade documentation and customs processes are also being improved to reduce delays and enhance transparency across supply chains,” she said.
She added that the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) was strengthening investment facilitation while fiscal reforms were helping to create a more predictable environment for investors.
According to her, the reforms are part of broader efforts to improve regulatory efficiency, protect investors and ensure that businesses operate in a stable and transparent economic system.
Ambrose-Medebem said Nigeria’s large and dynamic market offered significant opportunities for global investors.
“The future of global growth will be shaped by partnerships that combine innovation, investment and shared prosperity.
“Nigeria and India have the capacity to build such partnerships,” she said. (NAN)
Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
