Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister, Nyesom Wike, has wooed Indian businessmen to increase their presence in the nation’s capital.
The Minister made this observation on Tuesday in Abuja, when he received, in courtesy, the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency, Balasubramanian Shri.
Wike said that Indians’ commitment to keeping their cordial relationship with Nigerians was well appreciated.
According to the Minister, Indorama Petrochemical Industry in Port Harcourt remained an excellent signature of the Indian relationship with Nigeria.
He noted that Abuja has investment opportunities that Indian businessmen can explore. He was equally assured of his administration’s commitment to creating a friendly environment.
Wike said that the administration has gradually defeated forces of insecurity through the strong collaborative efforts of all security agencies.
He noted that President Bola Tinubu has been supporting the FCT Administration to improve the infrastructure of the nation’s capital.
Wike said that his administration at FCT would like to deepen the bilateral relationship that India has with Nigeria.
“There is no doubt that we have a cordial relationship with India. I do know that the President attended the G20 meeting. I do know that the President had a lot of private discussions with investors.
” We would like to see that all the embassies in Abuja have an environment that is not hostile to carrying out their assignments. So within our purview, we will not hesitate to give you what is required to do your assignments.”
Earlier in his remarks, the High Commissioner, His Excellency, Balasubramanian Shri, recalled that his country has enjoyed good relationships with Nigeria, which date back to 1958.
Shri also disclosed that investors from India have created massive employment in Nigeria, being the second-highest employers.
He said, “India and your country have an excellent relationship. We actually started a diplomatic relationship two years before Nigeria’s independence, in 1958, with a diplomatic office in Lagos.
“We have Indorama Petrochemical Industry in Eleme, River State. We have 55 Indian companies in Nigeria, with over $27 billion in various manufacturing sectors in Nigeria.
“Indian Companies are the second largest employers after the Nigerian government.”
