DELEGATION FROM NIGERIA ENGAGES WITH EMBASSY DURING FIVE-DAY STUDY TOUR TO INDIA

DELEGATION FROM NIGERIA ENGAGES WITH EMBASSY DURING FIVE-DAY STUDY TOUR TO INDIA

• General News
• October 08, 2025

A delegation comprising officials from Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and a representative from International Trade Center (ITC UN-WTO) undertook 'Cowpea Value Chain Study Tour 2025', a five-day study tour to India from 6 - 10 October 2025. The study tour focused on trade facilitation, policy & bilateral engagement, regulatory interaction, R&D and innovation in pulses, among other agendas. 

The incoming delegation was led by Mr. Simon Heisig, Programme Officer, ITC (UN-WTO) and Ms. Nonye Patricia, Executive Director/CEO, NEPC, and comprised other officials from related Government ministries. Mr. Satish Upadhyay, Secretary, Indian Pulses and Grain Association (IPGA) and Mr. Sevala Naik Mude, Additional Secretary (Central &West African Division), Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also part of the delegation. The delegation was guided by Ms. Shreyasi Agarwal, National Consultant - India, ITC (UN - WTO) during the study tour, as they met with a range of stakeholders to gain a deeper understanding of India's approaches to agri-trade. 

On Day Four of the study, the delegation visited the High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, New Delhi, where they held in-depth discussions with the Acting High Commissioner, Mr. Ubong Akpan Johnny, and other High Commission officials. The meeting centered on pilot collaborations, business linkages, and a bilateral roadmap. 

During the engagement, the Acting High Commissioner welcomed the delegation and highlighted the timeliness of the visit, adding that the study tour will provide practical insights on how Nigeria can enhance its cowpea value chain, from production to processing and market linkages. "This visit is both timely and strategic, as Nigeria continues to prioritize agriculture as a key driver of economic diversification, food security, and sustainable development", he remarked.

The delegation members also shared the insights they gathered from their tour. The High Commission commended the initiative and reaffirmed its support for all initiatives aimed at fostering Nigeria-India cooperation.