Lagos: Amb. Abhishek Singh, the High Commissioner of India to Nigeria, announced that Indian companies have invested approximately $27 billion in Nigeria across key sectors of the economy. Singh made this announcement while inaugurating the 2026 India Trade Expo, organized by the Indian High Commission in collaboration with the Indian Professionals Forum in Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Singh emphasized that Indian enterprises in Nigeria are active in various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, power, transmission, manufacturing, hospitality, consumer goods retail, construction, and air services. The trade mission draws motivation from the success of the first edition of the expo, held in 2025, which attracted over 3,000 visitors.
This year’s expo features participation from companies such as Tata International Ltd., Fullmark Group, Sun Group, and Sacvin Nigeria Ltd., among others. Singh noted that Nigeria is home to more than 200 companies owned or operated by Indians and persons of Indian origin, with Lagos being the primary hub. He highlighted the potential for Indian businesses in Lagos and reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening economic ties between India and Nigeria.
Singh also advised Indian companies planning to expand into Nigeria to adhere to local laws and regulations, assuring them of a supportive business climate. He reiterated the steady cooperation between India and Nigeria and the High Commission’s dedication to enhancing trade relations between the two nations.
Earlier, the Consul-General of India in Lagos, Mr. Kannan Chockalingam, advocated for a transition from transactional trade to deeper, transformational collaboration between the two countries. Chockalingam suggested that Nigeria and India could collaborate to enhance manufacturing, promote value addition, encourage joint ventures, and support local capacity development. He identified areas of cooperation such as technology adoption, skill transfer, renewable energy, affordable healthcare, and sustainable development, drawing on India’s experience in digital governance, small-scale industrial development, and renewable energy.
Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, described Lagos as the primary gateway for investment into Nigeria and West Africa. She highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at boosting investor confidence and improving the ease of doing business. Significant progress has been made in simplifying business registration through digital platforms introduced by the Corporate Affairs Commission, and improvements in trade documentation and customs processes are underway to enhance transparency and reduce delays.
Ambrose-Medebem added that the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) is reinforcing investment facilitation, and fiscal reforms are creating a more predictable environment for investors. These efforts are part of broader initiatives to improve regulatory efficiency, protect investors, and ensure businesses operate in a stable and transparent economic system. She emphasized the significant opportunities that Nigeria’s large and dynamic market offers to global investors, noting that the future of global growth will be shaped by partnerships that combine innovation, investment, and shared prosperity.