Politics
NIGERIA’S High Commissioner-designate to India, Amb. Saidu Muhammad, has arrived in New Delhi to assume duty, pledging to deepen bilateral relations and foster an inclusive working environment.
Muhammad and his wife, Mrs Rukayya Muhammad, were received at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, by officials of the Nigerian High Commission, India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Nigerian community leaders and African envoys.
This is contained in a statement by the Nigerian High Commission in New Delhi, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday.
The envoy later met High Commission staff and representatives of the Nigerian community, assuring them of consultation, engagement and fairness throughout his tenure.
Describing his posting as a homecoming of sorts, Muhammad said India had featured prominently in his diplomatic career.
“This is my eighth time in India. Coincidentally, 19 years ago I was here as a young officer writing for my first promotion examination overseas.
“Today, by the special grace of Almighty Allah, I have assumed duty here as substantive Nigerian High Commissioner to the Republic of India,” he said.
Muhammad recalled returning to India several times for regional meetings, promotion examinations and other official assignments before his latest posting.
He assured staff and Nigerians in India that no one would be excluded from his administration.
Quoting former President Muhammadu Buhari, whom he described as a mentor, Muhammad said: “I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody. So, it all depends on where you are, what you are, who you are and where you want to go.”
He urged Nigerians in India to remain optimistic and self-confident, quoting from The State of Mind by Iranian poet D.S. Sethi: “If you think you are beaten, you are. But if you think you dare not, you don’t. If you would like to win, but think you can’t, it’s almost certain you won’t.”
The envoy expressed confidence that Nigeria and India would further strengthen their longstanding relations, particularly in trade, investment and other areas of mutual interest.
He pledged to work towards expanding bilateral trade, attracting greater investment opportunities and achieving a more favourable balance of trade between both countries.
President of the All India Nigeria-India Students and Community Association, AINSCA, Mr Hilary Okeke, welcomed the envoy on behalf of Nigerians living and studying in India.
“We are very happy that you are here. We have been expecting you for a very long time. It is our honour to receive you,” Okeke said.
He also commended officials of the Nigerian High Commission for their continued support to Nigerian students and community members in India. (NAN)
A.I
July 25, 2026
Tags: AINSCA Amb. Saidu Muhammad former President Muhammadu Buhari Mr Hilary Okeke Mrs Rukayya Muhammad Nigeria’s High Commissioner