President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria has held bilateral talks with with the Indian Prime Minister, Mr Nedra Modi which focused on deepening co-operations and using the potential of both countries to greater advantage.
Briefing newsmen on the outcome of the session, the Joint Secretary (East and Southern Africa) of the Ministry of External Affairs, Amb. Tanmay Lal said: “The bilateral talks were smoother because the President of Nigeria has long standing association. He had trained in India, when he was a military officer.
“The President of Nigeria said that India has become largest oil importer of Nigeria’s crude oil by replacing the United States. There was discussion on oil sector in the meeting and the prospect of India buying more oil from Nigeria.
“Also there was strategic discussion on cooperation in the field of defence. “The Indian Prime Minister raised the specific issue of 11 crew members who have been in jail in Nigeria for some time. He made a personal request, if the judicial process can be expedited and if they can be repatriated. Nigerian President said that he will immediately look into it.”
A high-ranking diplomat said: “The Prime Minister said India is ready to double its oil imports from Nigeria if there is more transparency. The Indian government wants to buy directly from the Federal Government and pay through the Single Treasury Account (TSA) instead of the practice of directing us to intermediaries.
“So, we expect reforms which will facilitate transparent transaction in our oil business with Nigeria. The two leaders struck understanding in this regard.”
According to statistics, over 10,000 Nigerians are living in India, with majority of them as students, with some of them especially from Kano, carting away academic laurels from Indian Universities. Nigeria established its High Commission in 1962 to cater for the needs of Nigerians living in India.
President Muhammadu Buhari is in India to participate in the 3rd summit of the India-Africa Forum slated to hold in the city of New Delhi.
