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By Gloria Ikibah

The Federal Government has congratulated the Republic of India on the occasion of its 80th Independence Anniversary, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening bilateral ties across key sectors, including trade, technology, healthcare, education and defence.

In a statement issued by the Spokesperson of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, on Saturday, Nigeria described India as a trusted friend and strategic partner whose relationship with Africa’s largest economy has continued to flourish over the decades.

“The Government of Nigeria extends its sincere congratulations to the Government and people of the Republic of India as they celebrate the 80th anniversary of their nation’s independence on August 15, 2026,” the statement read.

The Federal Government noted that relations between both countries have remained strong because of their shared history and longstanding cooperation under multilateral platforms.

“Nigeria recognises India as a valued friend and strategic partner, and warmly acknowledges the enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation that have characterised bilateral relations between both countries over the decades.

“These ties, rooted in shared history as members of the Commonwealth and the Non-Aligned Movement, continue to be strengthened through cooperation in trade, investment, technology, health, education, defence and cultural exchange”, it added.

Nigeria also commended India’s development journey since gaining independence in 1947, describing the country as one of the world’s leading economies and an influential voice in international affairs.

“On this auspicious occasion, the Federal Government commends India’s remarkable journey of nation-building, economic transformation and democratic consolidation since gaining independence in 1947, and its emergence as one of the world’s leading economies and a key voice in global affairs”, the statement further read.

The statement further acknowledged India’s growing investment footprint in Nigeria and praised the long-standing partnership between both countries.

“Nigeria appreciates the vibrant and long-standing partnership between both nations, including India’s continued investment presence in Nigeria and the significant contributions of the Indian community to Nigeria’s economic development”, it stated.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Nigeria’s determination to deepen cooperation with India in several strategic areas, including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, information technology, investment and South-South cooperation.

The Federal Government also emphasised the importance of continued collaboration within international organisations such as the United Nations, the Commonwealth and the G20.

“Furthermore, Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to deepening bilateral relations with India across all sectors, including trade and investment, health and pharmaceuticals, information technology, defence cooperation and South-South cooperation.

“Nigeria looks forward to continued collaboration with India within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations, the Commonwealth and the G20, in advancing shared interests, including reform of global governance institutions, sustainable development and South-South solidarity”, it stated.

The statement expressed optimism about the future of Nigeria-India relations, particularly following the recent assumption of duty by Nigeria’s High Commissioner to India.

“With the recent assumption of duty of Nigeria’s High Commissioner to India, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirms Nigeria’s dedication to nurturing and expanding the warm and mutually beneficial relationship between both countries in the years ahead”, the statement added.

The Federal Government extended its best wishes to India and its people as the Asian nation marked eight decades of independence.

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The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the ongoing Osun State election, Bola Oyebamiji, has expressed confidence in securing victory, saying he remains optimistic about the outcome of the poll.

Oyebamiji spoke shortly after casting his vote at Ward 9, Unit 11, Open Space, Gantry Sawmill, Ikire, in Irewole Local Government Area on Saturday.

The APC candidate praised the peaceful atmosphere at the polling unit and commended residents for turning out in large numbers to participate in the election.

According to him, the turnout reflected the determination of voters and demonstrated that residents were not intimidated.

“INEC are here, the voters are here, security operatives are here. I want to commend the large turnout of voters in Ikire. It shows that people are not intimidated, and generally, things are going on fine across the state,” he said.

Responding to concerns over possible security challenges in Ikire, Oyebamiji called on law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant and ensure the safety of voters throughout the exercise.

He urged security personnel to take proactive measures to prevent any breakdown of law and order as the election progresses.

“I want to admonish the police and other security operatives to be proactive to ensure security for our people and all the voters, and I believe the election would be credible,” he noted.

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By Gloria Ikibah

The Federal Government of Nigeria has congratulated the Republic of Congo on its 66th National Day Anniversary, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in key sectors, including trade, energy, agriculture, infrastructure and manufacturing.

In a statement issued by the Spokesperson of Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday, Nigeria joined the people of Congo in celebrating the country’s independence anniversary, describing the occasion as a significant milestone in the nation’s history.

The statement noted that the anniversary commemorates Congo’s attainment of independence on 15 August 1960 and acknowledged the country’s progress in promoting peace, stability and national development.

“Nigeria joins the Congolese people in commemorating this significant national occasion, which marks the attainment of independence on 15 August 1960. On this occasion, Nigeria recognises the resilience and the progress made by the Congolese people in advancing national development, peace, stability and prosperity,” the statement read.

The Federal Government said relations between both countries have remained cordial and have continued to thrive on the principles of mutual respect, African solidarity, shared values and common interests.

According to the ministry, Nigeria and Congo remain committed to promoting multilateral cooperation and advancing the ideals of African unity and integration.
Nigeria also commended Congo for its role in promoting regional peace and diplomacy across the continent.

“Nigeria particularly appreciates the Republic of Congo’s constructive contributions to regional peace, stability and African diplomacy. Nigeria remains committed to working closely with Congo and other African partners in promoting dialogue, mediation and African-led approaches to conflict resolution,” the statement added.

The government identified trade and investment as major areas for future collaboration, noting that there are significant opportunities for both countries to deepen economic cooperation.

The ministry said stronger partnerships in sectors such as energy, agriculture, infrastructure, transportation, mining and manufacturing will boost investment, encourage technology transfer and create employment opportunities.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria also sees significant opportunities for strengthening bilateral economic relations, particularly in trade and investment, energy, agriculture, infrastructure, transportation, mining and manufacturing.

“Greater interaction between the private sectors of both countries would promote investment, technology transfer, employment creation and the movement of goods, services and expertise,” the statement said.

Nigeria also emphasised the importance of strengthening people-to-people relations through greater collaboration in education, culture, tourism, sports, youth development and professional exchanges.

According to the government, such partnerships would deepen mutual understanding and further strengthen the longstanding friendship between the people of both countries.

The ministry further stressed that, as members of the African Union, Nigeria and Congo share a common vision for sustainable development and regional integration.

“Nigeria welcomes greater collaboration in sustainable development, value addition, technology transfer, employment creation and regional economic integration, and remains committed to strengthening its partnership with Congo within the framework of the African Union and other regional and international organisations,” the statement said.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to closer ties, the government said it looked forward to working with Congo to address issues of mutual interest at both continental and global levels.

“As Congo marks this important anniversary, Nigeria recognises the resilience and contributions of successive generations of Congolese to national development and renews its commitment to a peaceful, prosperous and stronger Africa.

“The Government of Nigeria looks forward to working closely with the Government of the Republic of Congo to expand bilateral cooperation and address issues of mutual interest at the continental and global levels,” the statement added.

Nigeria extended its best wishes to the government and people of Congo, expressing hope for continued peace, stability, prosperity and sustainable development.