Nigeria and India have agreed to deepen cooperation in defence, security, technology and sustainable development during talks in Abuja on Monday. The discussions took place between officials from Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a delegation from India's 66th National Defence College course, led by Anvita Sinha. The Indian team is in Nigeria as part of a foreign study tour to examine the country's socio-economic policies, foreign policy direction and security framework.
Dunoma Ahmed, Permanent Secretary at Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described bilateral relations as longstanding and rooted in shared democratic values and economic engagement. He said the visit created a platform to strengthen collaboration in defence, security capacity building, technology transfer and sustainable development. Ahmed noted that India has supported Nigeria in military training and professional development, contributing to institutional capacity and regional security. "The visit offers a valuable platform for strengthening cooperation and exploring new areas of engagement that will benefit both countries," he said.
Talks covered Nigeria's foreign policy priorities, regional security challenges and global geopolitical dynamics. Ahmed emphasized the importance of South-South cooperation, citing Nigeria's involvement in BRICS and other multilateral forums advancing developing nations' interests. He also referenced Nigeria's role in promoting African Union Agenda 2063, regional peace, infrastructure development and continental economic integration.
According to Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both sides discussed counter-terrorism operations, intelligence sharing, border security, military education and the use of emerging technologies in security. Ahmed stated Nigeria is ready to expand collaboration in these areas to tackle modern security threats. Colonel Manoj, India's Defence Adviser to Nigeria, thanked the ministry for the engagement and praised the enduring bilateral relationship. He expressed confidence that continued dialogue would boost ties and support global peace and development.
Dunoma Ahmed highlighted India's role in boosting Nigeria's defence training while Nigeria faces persistent insecurity in multiple regions. The same level of technological and operational support has not been reflected in measurable improvements in local security outcomes. If existing partnerships yield only diplomatic statements and not field impact, their strategic value to Nigerian communities remains unproven. Cooperation without visible results serves ceremony more than safety.
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