Nigeria, India Explore Expanded Cooperation in Security, Technology and Global Affairs
Oru Leonard
Abuja, June 2, 2026 — Nigeria and India have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations, strengthening defence cooperation, and advancing collaboration among countries of the Global South following a high-level engagement at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, received a delegation from the 66th Course of India’s National Defence College, New Delhi, on a courtesy visit as part of the delegation’s foreign study tour to Nigeria. The team, led by Ms. Anvita Sinha, visited the country to gain insights into Nigeria’s socio-economic development, foreign policy direction, security environment, and strategic outlook.
Welcoming the delegation, Ambassador Ahmed highlighted the enduring ties between Nigeria and India, describing the relationship as one built on shared democratic values, historical friendship, expanding economic cooperation, and active engagement within regional and multilateral institutions.
He noted that the visit provided an important opportunity to strengthen mutual understanding and explore new areas of collaboration, particularly in defence, security, capacity building, technology transfer, and sustainable development. The Permanent Secretary also commended India’s longstanding support in military training and professional development, which he said has contributed significantly to enhancing Nigeria’s institutional capabilities and regional security efforts.
During discussions, both sides examined Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities, emerging global geopolitical trends, and regional security challenges.
Ambassador Ahmed stressed the need for stronger cooperation among developing nations and reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for South-South collaboration through platforms such as BRICS and other multilateral frameworks aimed at promoting the interests of developing countries.
He further outlined Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa, particularly in advancing the objectives of African Union Agenda 2063, supporting regional peace and security initiatives, driving infrastructure development, and promoting economic integration across the continent.
The meeting also explored opportunities for enhanced cooperation in counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, border management, professional military education, and the deployment of emerging technologies to tackle evolving security threats. Ambassador Ahmed reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to work closely with India in these areas for the mutual benefit of both nations.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Colonel Manoj expressed appreciation for the warm reception and productive discussions. He praised the strong and enduring relationship between Nigeria and India and expressed confidence that sustained dialogue and collaboration would further strengthen bilateral ties while contributing to global peace, security, and development.
The visit concluded with both countries reaffirming their commitment to expanding cooperation across diplomacy, defence, security, education, technology, and development, underscoring the growing strategic partnership between Africa’s largest economy and one of Asia’s leading powers.
