We’ll leverage India’s experience in technology to unlock youth potential – FG

Nigeria will seek to leverage India’s experience in technology, artificial intelligence and the digital economy to create greater opportunities for its youthful population, the Federal Government has said.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this as Vice President Kashim Shettima leads Nigeria’s delegation to the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India, where the country is expected to pursue stronger economic and strategic partnerships with India and other emerging economies.

According to a statement by Dr Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the Foreign Affairs Minister, Nigeria’s participation at the summit will focus on expanding opportunities in trade, investment, agriculture, technology, manufacturing and industrial development.

Nigeria became a BRICS partner country in January 2025 and has since used the platform to strengthen South-South cooperation and deepen its economic and diplomatic engagement with major emerging economies.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said India’s success in deploying technology to engage its large youth population offered important lessons for Nigeria, particularly in agriculture, artificial intelligence, the digital economy and women’s participation in the technology sector.

She said Nigeria was determined to learn from India’s experience and leverage what she described as its “greatest strength” — its ability to engage and empower young people through technology.

The minister said such collaboration could help Nigeria drive innovation, expand economic opportunities and promote inclusive development.

She added that Nigeria’s engagement with India through the BRICS platform would provide an avenue to explore practical areas of cooperation capable of supporting the country’s development priorities.

Shettima is representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the summit and is accompanied by Odumegwu-Ojukwu; the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; and Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal.

The Nigerian delegation is expected to use the summit to further strengthen the country’s engagement with BRICS members and partner countries while exploring opportunities for investment, technology transfer and economic cooperation.