Nigeria’s newly appointed High Commissioner to India, Ambassador Saidu Muhammad, has officially assumed office in New Delhi, pledging to deepen diplomatic ties between both countries while fostering an inclusive working environment at the Nigerian High Commission.
Muhammad formally resumed duty on Thursday, shortly after arriving in India with his wife, Rukayya Muhammad.
According to a statement released on Saturday, the envoy was received at the Indira Gandhi International Airport by officials of the Nigerian High Commission, representatives of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, members of the Nigerian community, and several African ambassadors accredited to India.
Addressing embassy staff and members of the Nigerian community during his assumption of office, Muhammad reflected on his long-standing connection with India, describing the appointment as a significant milestone in a journey that began nearly 20 years ago.
He recalled first visiting India as a young diplomatic officer to sit for promotion examinations before returning on several occasions for official assignments, regional meetings, IPPIS verification exercises and additional promotion examinations in 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2015.
Expressing gratitude for his appointment, Muhammad said it was a privilege to return to India, this time as Nigeria’s substantive High Commissioner.
The envoy assured embassy officials and Nigerians living in India that his leadership would be guided by consultation, collaboration and fairness, stressing that no one would be sidelined in the discharge of official responsibilities.
Drawing inspiration from a statement often associated with former President Muhammadu Buhari, whom he described as a mentor and father figure, Muhammad said he would remain committed to serving everyone without bias, while making decisions based on the demands of each situation.
He also encouraged Nigerians in India to remain optimistic and confident in their abilities, noting that a positive mindset often plays a crucial role in achieving success.
Reaffirming the strong diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and India, Muhammad pledged to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade and investment, with the aim of securing greater economic benefits for Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the President of the All India Nigeria-India Students and Community Association, Hilary Okeke, welcomed the High Commissioner on behalf of Nigerians residing in India.
Okeke expressed confidence in Muhammad’s leadership and commended officials of the Nigerian High Commission for their continued support to Nigerian students and members of the community, describing the mission as consistently accessible and responsive to their needs.
