India and Nigeria on Monday decided to forge a strategic partnership and broadbase cooperation in several key spheres while intensifying efforts to bolster trade and investment.

The ‘Abuja Declaration’ on strategic partnership, issued after talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Nigerian President Yar’Adua, covers wide range of areas including enhancing cooperation in security, education, trade, economic and science and technology.

The two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding on defence cooperation and three other documents. These cover a protocol on foreign office consultations, MoU between Indian Council of World Affairs and Nigerian Institute of International Affairs and another MoU between the Foreign Service Institute and its Nigerian counterpart.

It was agreed that the two countries would sign within next six months an extradition treaty, agreements on double taxation avoidance and bilateral investment promotion and protection.

The two countries will also work out a bilateral air services pact, a mutual legal assistance treaty and an agreement on cooperation against drug trafficking. A three-year cultural exchange programme beginning next year will also be finalised.

Briefing reporters on the talks, Nalin Surie, Secretary (West) in the External Affairs Ministry, said President Yar’Adua described the visit as a mark of honour and a deep transition in bilateral relations.
Both governments would continue to encourage further cooperation between their companies in the oil and gas sectors.

Nigeria is a major oil producer and oil accounts for 96 per cent of the bilateral trade. Nigeria is also the biggest trade partner with India in Africa.

Surie said India has agreed to set up a technology village in Abuja on the request of Nigeria.

India has offered to extend a line of credit of $250 million for Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), another $100 million for use in supply of agricultural and industrial equipment from India. India has also decided to increase scholarships for Nigerian students for education and research in India from 50 to 75.
The two leaders sought closer cooperation and coordination between the two countries in World Trade Organisation (WTO) on the Doha Round of negotiations.

In the energy sector, Surie said the declaration has emphasised on greater cooperation between the two sides in this area and to expand collaboration not not just in oil and gas sectors but also fertiliser and power areas.
Both the Indian public and private sector oil firms were already working in Nigerian oil sector.
As per defence cooperation, India would assist Nigeria in training and setting up of two Information Technology labs in a Nigerian defence academy.

Regarding incidents of kidnapping of Indians and persons of Indian origin, Surie said the Nigerian side has been very helpful every time such incidents have taken place by taking prompt action and getting the hostages released.