What keeps it alive
India supplies Nigeria with pharmaceuticals (60%+ of Nigerian pharmaceutical imports are Indian generic drugs), steel (Ajaokuta connections), and technology services. Indian companies are active across sectors.
Active drivers
TRADE
Anchors
Pharmaceutical trade · Generic drug supply chain · Steel connections · Indian business community
Accountability
The Ajaokuta Steel saga — $8bn+ invested since 1979, never at full production — involved Soviet, Indian, and other international contractors. No single country or company has been held accountable for what is arguably Nigeria's largest failed infrastructure investment.
Key moments
- 1994Ajaokuta Steel — Soviet-built, then Indian firm ISPAT International signed management contract. Contract collapsed. Ajaokuta never reached full production.
- 2024Nigeria-India pharmaceutical trade estimated at $300m+/year.