India-Nigeria cooperation anchored on trade, technology, tourism— Envoy

Mr Kannan Chockalingam, Consul General of India in Lagos says cooperation between his country and Nigeria is anchored on “three Ts” including trade, technology and tourism.

Chockalingam said this on Thursday in Lagos at the opening of the 2026 India Trade Expo, organised by the High Commission of India in partnership with the Indian Professionals Forum (IPF)

Chockalingam described the Expo as more than a commercial exhibition, noting that it would deepen economic cooperation with Nigeria through stronger trade, technology and tourism partnerships.

“This expo is a celebration of partnership, enterprise, innovation, and the enduring friendship between India and Nigeria.”

According to him, India is among Nigeria’s largest trading partners, while Nigeria remains India’s largest trading partner in Africa.

Chockalingam noted that Indian companies had invested significantly in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, manufacturing, power, infrastructure and consumer goods in Nigeria.

“At the same time, Nigeria remains a vital energy partner for India.

“This trade expo will help expand economic engagement through new supply chains, joint ventures and collaboration among Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

“By strengthening trade facilitation, improving logistics, and enhancing business-to-business connectivity, we can significantly boost bilateral trade volumes and generate employment in both countries,” he said.

On technology, Chockalingam said India’s development was driven by innovation, digital transformation and entrepreneurship.

He said sectors such as fintech, healthcare technology, renewable energy and digital public infrastructure offered opportunities for collaboration with Nigeria.

“Nigeria, with its dynamic youth population and rapidly expanding tech ecosystem, presents enormous opportunities for collaboration.”

He added that partnerships in digital payments, IT services, agritech, edtech, renewable energy and skill development could help both countries co-create solutions suited to developing economies.

Chockalingam also highlighted tourism as an important pillar of cooperation between the two nations.

On his part, tourism is not only an economic driver but also a bridge between cultures.

He said improved connectivity, cultural exchanges, and promotion of medical and business tourism could strengthen people-to-people relations.

“The future of India-Nigeria relations lies in deeper economic integration and strategic cooperation,” he said.