The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, made the
request at the G-20 meeting in India.
Onyeama, according to a statement signed by his Special
Adviser, Sarah Sanda, on Wednesday, also requested India to fast-track the
issuance of business visa to Nigerians.
The minister emphasised the need for bilateral trade between
both countries.
The statement read in part, “The Honourable Minister of
Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, is in New Delhi, India, to participate in
the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting hosted by India, March 1-2, 2023.
“The meeting will focus on strengthening multilateralism and
deepening cooperation on food and energy security, sustainable development,
counter-narcotics, global health, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief,
gender equality, and women’s empowerment.
“Ahead of the G-20 meeting, minister Onyeama met with his
Indian counterpart, Indian Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishanker.
He conveyed President Muhammadu Buhari’s appreciation to the
Prime Minister of India for the invitation extended to Nigeria to participate
in the G-20 meeting.
He also requested the granting of visa on arrival to
Nigerians as a reciprocal gesture and requested India to fast-track the
issuance of business visa to Nigerians.
“While paying tribute to the blossoming bilateral relations
between Nigeria and India, Onyeama stressed the need to further strengthen the
economic, trade, and investment cooperation for the mutual benefit of both
countries. He noted continued cooperation in the education sector and welcomed
direct air flights between the two countries.”