By Vivian Emoni
The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and deepening business collaboration between Nigeria and India.
Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, First Deputy President of ACCI, stated this during a courtesy visit by an ACCI delegation to the Indian High Commission on Friday in Abuja.
Adesugba, who is also the National Vice President (India) of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), said the visit was aimed at strengthening private sector cooperation between both countries.
He emphasised the need to establish a Nigeria–India Private Sector Dialogue to enhance engagement between Nigerian businesses and Indian companies operating in the country.
Adesugba noted that Nigeria and India had maintained strong economic relations over the years, highlighting the role of the NACCIMA network in expanding trade cooperation.
“Our goal is to establish a structured platform where business stakeholders from both countries can regularly engage and promote stronger bilateral trade,” he said.
He identified the textile sector as offering immediate opportunities for collaboration through sourcing, manufacturing partnerships and supply chain development.
According to him, Nigeria also has vast potential in the gemstone sector, noting that partnerships with Indian investors could support gemstone development, processing and trade.
“As founder of the Gemological Institute of Nigeria, I believe collaboration with India can unlock opportunities in gemstone processing and international trade,” he said.
Adesugba also invited the Indian High Commissioner to participate in the 2026 Abuja International Trade Fair scheduled for Sept. 25 to Oct. 6.
Responding, the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Abhishek Singh, said India was observing encouraging signals in Nigeria, particularly in investment opportunities.
Singh noted that several Nigerian businesses operating in India were performing well and expressed optimism about strengthening economic ties between the two countries.
“There are strong opportunities for collaboration in sectors such as mining, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, solid minerals and textiles,” he said.
The High Commissioner nominated Mr Rajiv Saxena, Second Secretary (Commerce and Administration), to work closely with the ACCI delegation on sector-specific engagements.
He also disclosed that two textile-related events were scheduled for 2026, including one in June, which could provide opportunities for Nigerian and Indian textile businesses to collaborate. (NAN)
Edited by Uche Anunne
