On Tuesday President Muhammadu Buhari flew out of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport accompanied by the Permanent Secretaries of several ministries, the Governors of Kano and Delta States, and the National Security Advisor (NSA) Babagana Monguno, to attend the 3rd India-Africa Summit.
On Tuesday President Muhammadu Buhari flew out of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport accompanied by the Permanent Secretaries of several ministries, the Governors of Kano and Delta States, and the National Security Advisor (NSA) Babagana Monguno, to attend the 3rd India-Africa Summit.
According to Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant for Media and Publicity to the President, President Buhari will focus on strengthening trade in the IT sector, iron and steel investment, and the pharmaceutical drug trade.
Mr. Shehu told our SaharaReporters correspondent that a $69 billion investment in iron and steel production is up for discussion between President Buhari and Indian government officials. He also informed our correspondent that one factor behind India’s willingness to discuss an investment of that size is the Indian government’s belief that corruption is not as big a concern in Nigeria.
President Buhari will also stress the importance of investment in Nigeria from India’s booming IT sector. The President believes that strengthening cooperation between the Nigerian and Indian IT sectors could lead to the creation of jobs for unemployed youth throughout the country.
President Buhari will also meet with various Indian business executives during his trip. Many of these executives are interested in strengthening ties between their companies and the pharmaceutical and medicine market in Nigeria.
President Buhari is set to meet with India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, and other high level officials prior to the start of the Summit on Thursday. President Buhari will also meet with members of the Nigerian diaspora on Wednesday afternoon.
According to Garba Shehu some Nigerian students studying in India are expected to attend. Many Nigerian students have reported that they do not receive allowances from their home States, making it difficult to pay for their upkeep or school fees.
The India-Africa Summit will last from October 26-29 and will be attended by representatives of 40 of the 54 African nations invited.