Nigeria’s High Commissioner-designate to India, Saidu Muhammad, has assumed office in New Delhi.
He formally took up the position on Thursday, days after his arrival in India with his spouse, Rukayya Muhammad.
According to a statement made available to PUNCH Online on Saturday, Muhammad 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 heads of mission accredited to India, ahead of his assumption of duty.
Declaring his assumption of office before High Commission staff and members of the Nigerian community, Muhammad said the moment marked his return to a country he had known for almost two decades.
“Twenty years ago I was here as a young officer writing for my first promotion exams overseas, which I am happy again to have come back for the second time in 2009 again for another promotion exam,” he said.
He said he had since returned to India on several occasions for regional meetings and other official engagements, including the regional IPPIS verification exercise and further promotion examinations in 2010, 2012 and 2015.
“And today, by the special grace of Almighty Allah, I have assumed duty here as substantive Nigerian High Commissioner to the Republic of India,” he said.
Muhammad pledged an inclusive approach to his new office as he seeks to strengthen relations between Nigeria and India. He assured embassy staff and members of the Nigerian community that his tenure would be marked by consultation, engagement and inclusiveness.
“The only thing I can say to you is that I can assure you that nobody is going to be left out in terms of working relationship,” he said.
Borrowing a phrase from former President Muhammadu Buhari, whom he described as a late mentor and father figure, Muhammad said he belonged to everybody and to nobody.
He explained that his approach to service would depend on context and circumstance rather than personal considerations.
The envoy also urged Nigerians in India to maintain a positive outlook and a strong sense of self-belief, citing lines from a poem on the power of mindset.
He said one’s outlook in life often determined the outcome of one’s efforts.
Muhammad said Nigeria and India enjoyed longstanding cordial relations.
He expressed his determination to strengthen bilateral ties during his tenure, particularly in trade and investment, with a view to achieving a more favourable balance for Nigeria.
Hilary Okeke, President of the All India Nigeria-India Students and Community Association, welcomed the ambassador on behalf of the Nigerian community and students.
He said the community had long anticipated Muhammad’s arrival and looked forward to his support.
Okeke also commended officials of the Nigerian High Commission for their continued support to Nigerians living and studying in India, noting that the mission’s doors had always remained open to students and community members alike.
