Minister of
Environment Surv Suleiman Hassan
Minister of
Environment Surv Suleiman Hassan Zarma
Nigeria, India strengthen bilateral tie towards
addressing environmental problems
The need to strengthen the bilateral tie between Nigeria and
India, especially in the areas of renewable energy, sustainable
development and other environmental issues has been advocated.
The call was made when the newly-posted Indian High Commissioner
to Nigeria, Mr. Abhay Thakur, paid a courtesy visit to the Minister
of Environment, Hassan Suleiman Zarma, at his office in Abuja.
The Indian envoy recalled that Nigeria and India have always
enjoyed healthy and strategic cooperation, with some Indian
teachers and doctors even taking permanent residence in Nigeria, in
the past.
“It is very encouraging to note that the relationship between
our two countries dates back to 3-4 generations, with our doctors
and teachers contributing their quota to Nigeria’s healthcare and
education respectively.
“Nigeria is indeed a very hospitable country as most of them do
not want to leave Nigeria”.
Thakur, therefore called for renewed corporation and
collaboration between the two countries, owing to the fact that
Nigeria has the highest population in Africa and India with a
staggering population of over 900 million is world’s third most
populated nation.
He emphasized that there is need for both countries to
mutually-synergize and speak with one voice on global environmental
issues at international fora.
He assured that an MOU on renewable energy between the two
countries will be signed soon.
Responding, the Minister, re-affirmed the existing healthy
bilateral relationship between Nigeria and India, stressing that
the relationship has benefited both countries in Education, health
care and economic development.
He informed his guest that he was a direct beneficiary of the
relationship, as he was taught by Indian teachers.
Zarma disclosed that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has
just ratified the International Solar Alliance and expressed
optimism that the President will soon append his signature.
He observed that Nigeria is bedeviled with a lot of ecological
challenges that require support and assistance from countries that
had already tackled those challenges.
“We request for the support of your country to address some of
our issues and concerns, with bio-safety at the forefront of the
challenges,” the Environment Minister said.
Saghir El-Muhammad
Director Press