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Nigeria’s new High Commissioner to India, Ambassador Saidu Muhammad, has officially assumed duty in New Delhi, promising inclusive leadership and a renewed push for deeper bilateral cooperation.
He was received at Indira Gandhi International Airport by officials of the Nigerian High Commission, representatives of India’s foreign ministry, leaders of the Nigerian diaspora and fellow African envoys.
In his first official engagements, Muhammad met with mission staff and members of the Nigerian community, assuring them of an open-door policy, regular consultation and fairness in all dealings.
Reflecting on his appointment, the envoy described it as a homecoming, noting that India has been central to his diplomatic journey.
“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,” he said.
“Today, by the special grace of Almighty Allah, I have assumed duty here as substantive Nigerian High Commissioner to the Republic of India.”
He recalled previous visits to India for regional meetings, promotion exams, and personnel verification exercises in 2010, 2012 and 2015.
The envoy vowed to run an all-inclusive mission, quoting former President Muhammadu Buhari, whom he described as a mentor: “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 also drew inspiration from Iranian poet D.S. Sethi’s The State of Mind, encouraging Nigerians in India to remain confident: “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.”
Muhammad pledged to prioritise expanding trade and investment flows between Nigeria and India, aiming for a more balanced trade relationship.
Community leader Hilary Okeke, president of the All India-Nigeria-India Students and Community Association, welcomed the new High Commissioner, saying, “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.”
