By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
Nigeria’s High Commissioner to India, Saidu Dahiru Muhammad, has highlighted key diplomatic and economic engagements recorded within his first month in office, including outreach to the Nigerian diaspora, discussions with Indian authorities on immigration matters and renewed efforts to strengthen bilateral economic relations between Nigeria and India.
Muhammad disclosed this during an interactive session with diplomatic correspondents in New Delhi on the sidelines of the 2026 BRICS Summit, where he gave an account of his activities since assuming duty in India.
The High Commissioner, who arrived in India on July 23, said he received a warm welcome from officials of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, staff of the Nigerian High Commission and members of the Nigerian community.
According to him, diplomatic formalities progressed swiftly after his arrival, as he presented copies of his Letters of Credence and the recall letter of his predecessor to the relevant Indian authorities within 10 days.
He formally presented his Letters of Credence to Indian President Droupadi Murmu exactly one month after his arrival in the country.
Muhammad said one of his earliest engagements was a virtual meeting with members of the Nigerian community across India, during which he urged them to obey Indian laws, protect Nigeria’s image and engage only in legitimate activities.
The meeting, which lasted for more than an hour, provided an opportunity for Nigerians living in India to raise concerns bordering on visa overstays, visa renewals and extensions, students’ welfare and medical-related challenges.
The envoy said he subsequently engaged officials of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, particularly those responsible for Central and West African affairs, to address issues affecting Nigerians resident in the country.
Muhammad commended the Indian government for introducing an amnesty programme that allows Nigerians residing illegally in India to regularise their immigration status or voluntarily leave the country without penalties.
He explained that the initial six-month amnesty was extended by an additional three months following his appointment.
According to him, more than 4,000 Nigerians have already taken advantage of the arrangement to leave India voluntarily.
The High Commissioner said Nigeria had requested a further extension of between three and six months to enable more Nigerians to regularise their status and take advantage of the programme.
Speaking on his presentation of credentials to President Murmu on August 24, Muhammad described the meeting as cordial and fruitful, noting that discussions centred on strengthening Nigeria-India relations and expanding areas of cooperation.
He said both countries identified several priority sectors for deeper collaboration, including pharmaceuticals and healthcare, energy and renewable energy, mining and solid minerals, manufacturing, trade and investment.
Muhammad said Nigeria was seeking greater access for Nigerian businesses in the Indian market while encouraging Indian investors to expand their investments and operations in Nigeria.
The High Commissioner added that he had continued to keep Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed of developments through diplomatic dispatches detailing his engagements and discussions since assuming office.
He expressed appreciation to the Nigerian government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigerians at home and abroad for their support, describing his appointment as a responsibility to serve Nigeria’s national interest rather than a personal achievement.
Muhammad reaffirmed his commitment to advancing stronger Nigeria-India relations, promoting economic diplomacy, attracting investment and addressing the concerns of Nigerians living in India.
