By Dipo Olowookere
President Muhammadu Buhari has assured India that the Nigeria will continue to strengthen the bilateral relationships between the two populous countries.
Mr Buhari gave this assurance on Tuesday when he received the Indian Vice President, Mr Mohammad Hamid Ansari, at the State House in Abuja.
The President said Nigeria will continue to expand its relationship with India in the areas of health, education, agriculture, technology and trade.
According to him, Nigeria had over the years benefited from the cooperation of the Asian country in trade and investment, agriculture, technology and the fight against terrorism.
He welcomed the proposed investment of $5 billion in the Nigerian economy by the business delegation that accompanied the Vice President, while noting that India had already invested $10 billion in the economy.
Mr Buhari said Nigeria would emulate the Asian country’s agricultural model and capacity to feed its 1 billion population, and also export to other countries, describing the country as “sustainable and prosperous.”
The President noted that Nigeria would continue to support the reform of the United Nations Security Council, pointing out that it was unfair on the rest of the world for five countries to exercise the power of “yes or no” in the UN.
In his remarks, the Indian Vice President said his country, which is the leading buyer of Nigeria’s crude oil, will increase its purchase of the commodity in addition to natural gas.
According to him, the relationship between Nigeria and India is near perfect as both countries “have nothing to quarrel about.”