In a significant move to strengthen India’s ties with West Africa, PM Modi made a strategic stop in Nigeria on his way to Brazil for the G-20 Summit. The visit emphasizes India’s growing diplomatic footprint in Africa and highlights Nigeria’s importance in India’s foreign policy.
Significance of Visit
- It marked the first African visit of Prime Minister Modi’s third term.
- The visit was the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria in 17 years.
- During the visit, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu warmly welcomed PM Narendra Modi and conferred upon him Nigeria’s second-highest national honor, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger.
- He became only the second foreign dignitary to receive this honor since 1969, after Queen Elizabeth II.
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Nigeria-China Relations
- Despite India’s strengthening ties with Nigeria, China’s influence remains substantial in the country.
- Nigeria is heavily dependent on China, with over 200 Chinese companies operating in its market.
- China has been a major contributor to infrastructure development, including projects like the Lekki Deep Sea Port, the largest in West Africa, and the Abuja Light Rail project.
- Chinese investments and loans, totaling billions, have significantly impacted Nigeria’s economy.
However, this growing economic dependency also brings several challenges for Nigeria.
- Economic Dependency and Debt Trap: Nigeria’s borrowing from China amounts to $3.121 billion, about 11.28% of its external debt.
- This growing debt has raised concerns about Nigeria’s financial autonomy and the risks of falling into a debt trap.
- Trade Imbalance and Resource Exploitation: China’s exports to Nigeria at competitive prices have created a trade imbalance, undermining local industries.
- Furthermore, China’s heavy involvement in Nigeria’s resource sectors, including mining, has sparked concerns about overexploitation, depriving Nigeria of long-term economic benefits from its natural resources.
- Loss of Sovereignty in Key Sectors: Significant Chinese control over critical infrastructure, such as railways, ports, and telecommunications, risks eroding Nigeria’s sovereignty.
- Huawei’s deployment of surveillance systems, such as electronic border monitoring, triggers concerns about data privacy and security.
- Geopolitical Vulnerability: Over-reliance on Chinese investments leaves Nigeria vulnerable to geopolitical pressures and diminishes its ability to negotiate on equal terms with China in the future.
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Key Areas of Collaboration between India and Nigeria
- Energy Security and Trade Relations: Nigeria, as an oil-rich nation, holds significant potential to contribute to India’s energy needs, presenting an opportunity for diversification away from over-reliance on countries like Russia.
- Despite a recent decline in trade, from $14.95 billion in 2021-22 to $7.89 billion in 2023-24, the potential for growth remains high.
- Defence Cooperation: India and Nigeria have deepened their defence collaboration, especially in counterterrorism efforts against Boko Haram.
- This partnership is critical for Nigeria’s security, as Boko Haram’s activities continue to destabilize the region.
- Development and Capacity Building: India’s development assistance to Nigeria includes concessional loans and capacity-building programs.
- India’s Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) initiative offers training to Nigerian professionals, enhancing Nigeria’s human capital and workforce.
- Technology and Health Collaboration: India’s leadership in affordable pharmaceuticals and advancements in technology, such as renewable energy and IT, positions India as a crucial partner for Nigeria in modernizing its infrastructure and healthcare systems.
- Partnership based on Mutual respect: For Nigeria, India offers an alternative to China’s growing influence, providing a model of partnership based on mutual respect and development rather than debt-driven investments.
- Strengthening Governance and Shared Values: India and Nigeria, both being democracies, share common values of governance and inclusivity.
- This strengthens their collaboration in addressing political and economic challenges while enhancing governance models and institutions.
- Gateway to Africa: Strengthening relations with Nigeria provides India a gateway to West Africa and amplifies its engagement across the continent.
- Support in Global South Initiatives: Nigeria’s alignment with India in championing Global South issues at international platforms reinforces shared goals and collective bargaining power.
| Boko Haram, an Islamist extremist group in northeastern Nigeria, poses severe challenges through terrorism, regional instability, and humanitarian crises, displacing millions and hindering development. Despite military efforts, its resilience is fueled by socio-economic grievances and regional vulnerabilities. |
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Conclusion
As China’s presence continues to grow in Nigeria, India must leverage its strengths in areas like defense, education, and technology to maintain its relevance in the country. Strengthening bilateral ties through collaborative projects and offering alternative solutions to Nigeria’s development challenges could provide India with a competitive edge over China.
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