Nigeria will seek to leverage India’s experience in technology, artificial intelligence and youth engagement as Vice President Kashim Shettima leads the country’s delegation to the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
Shettima is representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the summit, where Nigeria is expected to pursue opportunities for stronger trade and investment ties, as well as cooperation in agriculture, technology, manufacturing and industrial development.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said India’s experience in using technology to engage its youthful population offers important lessons for Nigeria, particularly in agriculture, the digital economy, artificial intelligence and women’s participation in technology.
She said Nigeria was determined to draw on India’s expertise and its “greatest strength” in engaging young people to promote innovation, economic growth and inclusive development.
Nigeria became a BRICS partner country in January 2025, giving it a platform to deepen South-South cooperation and expand economic and diplomatic relations with major emerging economies.
The New Delhi summit is therefore expected to provide an opportunity for Nigeria to strengthen its engagement with India while exploring practical areas of cooperation that can support economic diversification and create opportunities for the country’s large youth population.
Shettima is accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes Oduwole; Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; and Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal.
The delegation will focus on areas with potential to support Nigeria’s economic and industrial development, including trade, investment, agriculture, technology and manufacturing.
For Nigeria, the technology component of the engagement is particularly significant as the country seeks to expand its digital economy, develop artificial intelligence capabilities and create more opportunities for young Nigerians.
The government’s interest in India’s model also extends to women’s participation in the technology sector, reflecting efforts to make digital and innovation-driven growth more inclusive.
The BRICS platform brings together major emerging economies and provides Nigeria with an avenue to strengthen partnerships beyond traditional economic and diplomatic relationships.
Nigeria’s participation at the 18th BRICS Summit is expected to build on its partner-country status and advance discussions on areas where cooperation with India and other emerging economies can translate into investment, skills, technology transfer and economic opportunities.
Source: Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, September 11, 2026.
