India-Nigeria Trade Forum Advances Strategic Agricultural Partnership for Sustainable Growth
Stakeholders from Nigeria and India have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral trade, investment, and technology transfer in the agricultural sector at the India–Nigeria Trade Forum on Agriculture and Agro-Allied Sector with the theme, “Cultivating Trade and Growing Together.” The high-level forum brought together government officials, diplomatic representatives, business leaders, investors, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to explore opportunities for expanding cooperation in agriculture, agribusiness, food security, and sustainable economic development.
In his welcome remarks, the 1st Deputy President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and National Vice President (India) of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, represented by the Chairman of the Agriculture Trade Group of ACCI, Dr Godwin Ukel described agriculture as a strategic pillar for employment generation, industrial growth, export diversification, and food security.
Speaking on behalf of the National President of NACCIMA, Engr. (Dr.) Jani Ibrahim, mni, OON, he emphasized the need for practical collaboration, technology transfer, value addition, agro-processing, mechanization, research partnerships, and sustainable investments that would deepen economic ties between both countries.
The High Commissioner of India to Nigeria, Ambassador Abhishek Singh, highlighted India’s remarkable agricultural achievements, noting that the country ranks among the world’s leading producers of milk, wheat, spices, and millet, while the sector provides employment for approximately 45 percent of its population. He observed the similarities between the agricultural economies of India and Nigeria and stressed that greater collaboration in agricultural mechanization, modern farming equipment, innovation, and technology transfer would significantly improve productivity and farmers’ incomes.
To further strengthen business engagement, he officially launched the India–Nigeria Agriculture WhatsApp Business Group, a matchmaking platform designed to connect businesses, facilitate trade opportunities, and encourage continuous interaction between agricultural stakeholders from both countries.
The Executive Director of the Abuja Trade Centre, Mr. Ezekwesili Nnaemeka Nnam, who organised and anchored the forum, stated that the India–Nigeria Business-to-Business (B2B) Forum is aimed at strengthening trade and investment relations between India and Nigeria, particularly in the agriculture and agro-allied sectors.
He noted that the forum provides a strategic platform for government officials, diplomats, investors, and private sector stakeholders from both countries to network, exchange ideas, and explore mutually beneficial business opportunities. He further encouraged partnerships in agricultural technology, value addition, agro-processing, mechanisation, food security, and sustainable agricultural development, stressing that such collaborations are essential to unlocking the vast agricultural potential of both nations and fostering shared economic growth.
Representing the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, a Director from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security commended the organizers for creating a platform that promotes strategic agricultural cooperation between Nigeria and India. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering international partnerships that enhance agricultural productivity, improve food security, attract investment, and accelerate the modernization and sustainable transformation of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
The Director-General of the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC), Hon. Fatuhu Muhammed, underscored the importance of quality seeds in driving agricultural productivity, noting that they account for nearly 50 percent of crop yields. He advocated increased investment in seed technology, research, breeding programmes, and modern seed production systems to improve farmers’ access to certified, high-quality seeds. He also welcomed stronger collaboration with India, expressing confidence that the partnership would enhance innovation, technology transfer, and capacity building within Nigeria’s seed industry.
The Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), represented by its Director of Planning on behalf of the Director-General, highlighted the Corporation’s critical role in protecting farmers and agribusinesses against production risks associated with natural disasters, pests, diseases, and other unforeseen events. The Corporation encouraged farmers, cooperatives, agribusinesses, and investors to leverage agricultural insurance as a strategic tool for safeguarding investments, enhancing resilience, and promoting sustainable agricultural development.
The forum concluded with an engaging interactive panel session during which participants exchanged ideas on practical strategies for expanding agricultural trade and investment between Nigeria and India. Discussions focused on access to Indian agricultural technologies, mechanization solutions, improved seed systems, investment partnerships, capacity-building initiatives, and business networking opportunities capable of strengthening agricultural value chains and enhancing competitiveness across both countries.
The India–Nigeria Trade Forum reaffirmed the shared commitment of both nations to building a stronger, mutually beneficial agricultural partnership anchored on innovation, private sector collaboration, knowledge exchange, and sustainable investment. Participants expressed optimism that the outcomes of the forum would translate into concrete business opportunities, increased trade, enhanced food security, and long-term economic prosperity for Nigeria and India.
Olayemi John-Mensah
ACCI Media & Strategy Officer
