Nigeria and India on Friday signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to boost the long-standing partnership and cooperation between the two countries.
The MoUs signed included Cultural Exchange, Survey Cooperation and Cooperation in Customs.
While the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dumoma Umar Ahmed, signed on behalf of Nigeria, the Additional Secretary (Economic Relations) of the Republic of India, Mr. Dammu Ravi, signed on behalf of India.
Speaking at the occasion, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ahmed Dumoma Umar, noted that Nigeria and India have for decades shared strong ties rooted in historical, cultural, and economic collaboration.
He said that the new MoUs signed are symbols of shared vision for growth, innovation, and sustainable development.
The Permanent Secretary said "It is a great honour and privilege to be part of this auspicious occasion, marking the signing of the Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of India.
"This moment represents yet another milestone in the long-standing partnership and mutually beneficial relationship and cooperation between our two countries.
"For decades, Nigeria and India have shared strong ties rooted in historical, cultural, and economic collaboration from the shared values of democracy and pluralism to our engagement in global platforms like the United Nations. Our partnership has always been one of mutual respect and shared aspirations." he stated
The recent visit by President Bola Tinubu to participate at the G20 Leaders' Summit from 9th-10th September, 2023 and the upcoming visit of the Prime Minister of India, Nadradi Modi, he said, further underscored the commitment to deepening the relationship and exploring new horizons of cooperation for the benefit of the two countries.
"Consequently, the MOUs we are signing today in the areas of Cultural Exchange, Customs and many diverse areas are symbols of our shared vision for growth, innovation, and sustainable development."
The Permanent Secretary, however emphasized that the success of the MOUs depend not only on the Agreements signed, but also on "the commitment in ensuring the implementation of their provisions.
"I am confident that the relevant stakeholders from our both countries will work together to ensure the realization of this great milestone for the benefits for our people.
"On behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I extend my gratitude to the Government of India for its unwavering commitment to fostering this partnership. I also commend the teams from both sides whose hard work and dedication have made this moment possible.
Among those who witnessed the signing ceremony included the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, G Balasubramanian, and Representatives from the concerned MDAs.