INDIAN HIGH COMMISSION IN NIGERIA HOLDS TRADE EXPO IN LAGOS

Acting High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ms. Vartika Rawat (middle), cutting the ribbon to decalre the Expo open.

The inaugural Indian Trade Expo 2025, organized by the High Commission of India, Abuja, in association with the Indian Professionals Forum, was held at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos, Nigeria, aimed to foster stronger economic ties between Nigeria and India.

The event served as a platform for discussions on overcoming challenges such as trade barriers, logistical issues, and market access, while encouraging the development of more robust trade relations. The aim was to leverage each country's strengths, with Nigeria offering its vast natural resources and growing market, while India brought technological expertise and investment potential.

The Consul–General of India in Lagos, Shri Chandramouli Kumar Kern.

Stakeholders emphasized the need to improve bilateral trade volume between the two countries, recognizing the potential benefits of enhanced collaboration. With a focus on sectors such as agriculture, technology, energy, and manufacturing, both Nigerian and Indian businesses explored new opportunities for partnerships, investment, and trade.

This Expo marked an important step in deepening economic ties and advancing the shared goal of mutual growth and prosperity between Nigeria and India. It underscored the significant role that both nations play in the global economy and the promise of increased trade between them.

The two-day inaugural event which ran on March 19th and 20th, 2025, marked a significant step forward in strengthening bilateral trade commitments between Nigeria and India, and drew dignitaries and professionals from various sectors, both within and outside Nigeria.

The event commenced with an exhibition tour, where the Lagos State representative applauded over 50 exhibitor companies domiciled in Nigeria, for producing high-quality products, especially in the agricultural value chain, technology, health and more. The representative assured these companies of maximum support from the state government, including the provision of land for manufacturing, which would create more employment opportunities.

During Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's address, he highlighted the long-standing diplomatic relations between Nigeria and India, dating back to 1958. The governor ably represented by The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Lagos State, Dr. Olugbemiga Aina, emphasized the importance of nurturing this relationship to foster economic growth and development.

He assured that Lagos State is open for business and welcomes more Indian investors and enterprises.

"Our government remains committed to fostering an enabling environment that supports investors and entrepreneurs by improving infrastructure, business-friendly policies, and enhancing digital transformation, we continue to make Lagos an attractive destination for foreign direct investment. We recognize India’s role in supporting these efforts, particularly in technology transfer, industrial development, and healthcare advancements, which have significantly contributed to our economic landscape," he said.