By Cyril Ilayah
India’s Consulate, Lagos, Mr. Chandra Mouli has emphasized the strong bilateral relationship between India and Nigeria, highlighting the country’s substantial investment of $27 billion in the African nation.
Speaking at the launch of IIRIS Nigeria in Lagos, Mouli attributed the significant investment to India’s rapid economic growth, positioning it as the world’s fifth-largest economy. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to partnering with Nigeria, particularly in the area of technology transfer, which he deemed crucial to India’s technological advancements.
The Indian security technology firm, IIRIS, officially expanded its operations to Africa with the launch of its Nigeria office at a grand ceremony held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Lagos. The event was attended by a distinguished gathering of government officials and industry leaders from both India and Nigeria.
Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff at the Office of the Vice President of Nigeria, extended a warm welcome to IIRIS, emphasizing the need for innovative security solutions to address the country’s challenges. The launch event was also attended by representatives from various Nigerian government agencies, military, and security forces, highlighting the significance of IIRIS’s entry into the Nigerian market.
IIRIS Nigeria CEO, Mr. Satygopal Bhanja, expressed the company’s dedication to providing high-quality risk management services and advanced AI-ML driven solutions to the Nigerian market. He emphasized IIRIS’s expertise in leveraging technology to enhance security and efficiency.
The company’s board of advisors, comprising distinguished individuals with deep knowledge of Nigerian security and governance, further strengthened its credibility and local expertise. These advisors included Dr. Willie Eselebor, Olusegun H Olugbile, and Maj Gen. Salihu Z. Uba.
The launch of IIRIS Nigeria marks a significant milestone in the strengthening of India-Nigeria relations and the introduction of innovative security technology to the African continent. As IIRIS continues to expand its operations, it is poised to play a vital role in addressing the security challenges faced by Nigeria and other African nations.