MARKET NEWS

By : 'Sola Richards

Nigerian media personality Rotimi Paul was among the key participants at the Nigeria-India Business Forum organized by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

The forum, held in Lagos, brought together Nigerian and Indian stakeholders to discuss avenues for expanding trade, fostering investment, and strengthening cooperation between both countries. The event featured top Nigerian chief executives, managing directors, industry leaders, social influencers, and community stakeholders across sectors including healthcare, export, manufacturing, and media.

Among the Indian delegation were Mr. Satish, Caleb Rupwant—representing BetMedical as Head of Product Business and Corporate Affairs—and Rishi Jain of Mutha Export. Discussions focused on building lasting business relationships and identifying areas of mutual interest in both countries’ evolving economic landscapes.

The President of the LCCI, Mr. Gabriel Idahosa, FCA, opened the session with a message that emphasized the role of stability and security in creating a conducive environment for commerce. He also referenced the long-standing collaboration between Nigeria and India in defence and diplomacy as a foundation for expanding commercial engagement.

“Security is the cornerstone of economic prosperity,” Idahosa said. “Our countries already share a strong relationship in several areas. This forum is another step in unlocking business potential through mutual respect and understanding.”

Also speaking was Mr. Munesh Mishra, who led the CII delegation. He highlighted the economic opportunities that exist between India and Nigeria, especially in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, energy, and digital technology.

Dele K. Oye Esq., President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), added that strong bilateral partnerships are crucial to driving growth and innovation. “Collaboration remains key to economic development. Forums like this create platforms for meaningful exchanges and sustainable impact,” he stated.

The Consul General of India in Lagos, Shri Chandramouli Kumar Kern, encouraged stakeholders from both nations to explore trade and investment prospects actively. “We believe in the potential of this relationship, and our role is to facilitate business linkages that benefit both countries,” he said.

The forum concluded with a Business-to-Business (B2B) networking lunch, where participants held informal discussions on possible collaborations and investment prospects. Rotimi Paul, known for his role in bridging media and corporate engagement, noted the value of dialogue in shaping economic narratives and encouraging investment-driven growth.

The Nigeria-India Business Forum is part of LCCI’s wider agenda to promote international trade through strategic dialogue and partnerships. India remains one of Nigeria’s largest trading partners, and both countries continue to pursue deeper economic cooperation in multiple sectors.