Nigeria appoints new envoy to take up diplomatic post in India

Nigeria's High Commissioner to India, Saidu Muhammad, has commenced his duties in New Delhi, formally taking up the position on Thursday, following his arrival in the country with his spouse, Rukayya Muhammad, just days prior.

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A statement made available on Saturday revealed that Muhammad was warmly received at the Indira Gandhi International Airport by officials from the Nigerian High Commission, as well as representatives from India's Ministry of External Affairs, members of the Nigerian community, and several African heads of mission accredited to India.

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Upon declaring his assumption of office to High Commission staff and members of the Nigerian community, Muhammad reflected on his return to a country he had first visited almost two decades ago, when he was a young officer preparing for his first promotion exams overseas.

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He recounted that this was not his first time back in India, having returned in 2009 for another promotion exam, and subsequently for regional meetings, the IPPIS verification exercise, and further promotion examinations in 2010, 2012, and 2015, ultimately leading to his current role as Nigerian High Commissioner to the Republic of India.

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Muhammad pledged to adopt an inclusive approach in his new position, aiming to fortify relations between Nigeria and India through consultation, engagement, and inclusiveness, assuring embassy staff and community members that his tenure would be marked by a collaborative working relationship.

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Quoting former President Muhammadu Buhari, whom he regarded as a late mentor and father figure, Muhammad emphasized that he belonged to everybody and to nobody, indicating that his approach to service would be guided by context and circumstance rather than personal considerations.

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The envoy urged Nigerians in India to cultivate a positive outlook and strong self-belief, citing the power of mindset and its impact on the outcome of one's efforts, as reflected in a poem on the subject.

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Muhammad acknowledged the longstanding cordial relations between Nigeria and India, expressing his determination to further strengthen bilateral ties during his tenure, particularly in trade and investment, with the goal of achieving a more favourable balance for Nigeria.

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Hilary Okeke, President of the All India Nigeria-India Students and Community Association, extended a warm welcome to the ambassador on behalf of the Nigerian community and students, who had eagerly anticipated Muhammad's arrival and looked forward to his support.

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Okeke also commended officials of the Nigerian High Commission for their ongoing support to Nigerians living and studying in India, noting that the mission had consistently maintained an open-door policy for students and community members alike.