Prof. Adesugba Leads ACCI/NACCIMA Delegation on Courtesy Visit to Indian High Commissioner in Abuja
The First 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, has led a three-man delegation on a courtesy visit to the High Commission of India in Abuja.
The delegation was received by His Excellency, Mr. Abhishek Singh, the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, in a meeting aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and enhancing private sector collaboration between Nigeria and India.
The visit also served as a follow-up to Prof. Adesugba’s earlier courtesy call on the High Commissioner in October 2025, during which both sides discussed opportunities for deepening economic engagement between the two countries.
Discussions during the meeting focused on facilitating an India–Nigeria Private Sector Dialogue, an initiative designed to promote engagement between Nigerian businesses and Indian companies operating in Nigeria, while also strengthening collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
Prof. Adesugba emphasised the long-standing economic relationship between Nigeria and India and highlighted the important role of the NACCIMA chamber network and its affiliate chambers across Nigeria in expanding trade cooperation between the two countries.
In his remarks, the Indian High Commissioner noted that India is seeing encouraging signals in Nigeria, particularly in the area of investment opportunities. He added that several Nigerian businesses operating in India are performing well and expressed optimism about deepening economic ties between the two countries.
To facilitate further engagement, the High Commissioner nominated Mr. Rajiv Saxena, Second Secretary (Commerce & Administration) at the High Commission of India in Abuja, to work closely with the ACCI delegation in organising sector-specific engagements that could evolve into concrete joint initiatives between Nigerian and Indian businesses.
According to him, several sectors offer strong potential for collaboration between the two countries, including mining, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, solid minerals, and textiles.
He also proposed a scheduled working meeting between Prof. Adesugba and Mr. Saxena to immediately begin discussions on planned activities and priority areas of cooperation.
The High Commissioner further revealed that two textile-related events are scheduled to take place in 2026, one of which is expected to hold in June, presenting additional opportunities for collaboration between Indian and Nigerian textile businesses.
Responding, Prof. Adesugba reiterated that his primary objective is to establish a structured India–Nigeria Private Sector Dialogue, where business stakeholders from both countries can regularly meet to discuss areas of mutual economic benefit and promote stronger bilateral trade.
He expressed satisfaction that his vision aligns with the plans of the High Commission and reaffirmed his commitment to facilitating deeper commercial partnerships.
Prof. Adesugba also disclosed that he currently chairs a textile trading company that is expanding its global engagement. While the company has previously worked with partners in Switzerland and Austria, he noted that there is strong interest in deepening trade relations with India.
He added that the textile sector presents immediate opportunities for collaboration, particularly in sourcing, manufacturing partnerships, and supply chain development.
The ACCI First Deputy President further highlighted Nigeria’s vast potential in the gemstone sector. As the Founder of the Gemological Institute of Nigeria, he noted that Nigeria is richly endowed with gemstones and expressed interest in exploring partnerships with India in gemstone development, processing, and trade.
Prof. Adesugba also used the occasion to invite the High Commissioner to participate in the 2026 Abuja International Trade Fair, scheduled to hold from September 25 to October 6, 2026, where Indian businesses will have the opportunity to showcase their products and explore investment opportunities in Nigeria.
(ACCI Media, 13th March, 2026)
