Speakers at the maiden India-Nigeria Business Forum have called for greater investment in the business cooperation between India and Nigeria toward the economic development of both countries.
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A cross section of the speakers made the call in separate interviews with our correspondent on sidelines of the forum which was organised by the Indian High Commission in Abuja.
Mr Allen Onyema, Air peace boss, said that adequate investment in the airline industry would strengthen the business cooperation between both countries considered to be two of the most populous countries in the world.
He said that although the history of the relations between India and Nigeria dated back to the period Nigeria attained its independence, airline connectivity between both countries could fast-track economic development for the two.
“So we should be thankful to the Federal Government for making it possible for Airpeace to fly Nigeria’s flag to India.
“This is the first time in so many years that any airline will fly into that country directly from Nigeria.
“We are going to provide direct connectivity to India.
“It will serve not only Nigeria, but the entire West Africa and create a hub whereby we will bring our flights from North and Central Africa to Dubai on direct flights in less than nine hours.
“We are very ready and just waiting for the Indian government to give the nod.
“The Nigerian government has done its part, and we are waiting on India to give the final permit,” he said.
Dr Shabihul Hassan, Chairman of Dr Hassan’s Hospital, said that investment in both the public and private health sectors would go a long way toward addressing the issues with medical tourism in the country.
According to him, in spite of the fact that Nigeria has competent medical personnel including nurses and doctors, there is the need for more investment in the industry one of which could be achieved through partnership between the public and private sector operators.
“Basically the private sector has to be boosted and that is already happening; big private hospitals are coming up.
“By the time there are many hospitals which are capable of taking care of all the patients travelling abroad for medical treatment, getting rid of medical tourism will be achieved.
“Business cooperation is a universal thing. India too had deficiency in its medical sector and Indians in the diaspora across the U.S. and Europe returned home and set up big corporate hospitals.
“The hospitals complemented what the health sector was already contributing to healthcare to the extent that while they were able to take care of our own patients in India, people from outside also started coming in to patronise us.
“Indians are conversant with the culture here. It is easier for Indians and Nigerians to relate with each other. The vast experience we have in India can also be brought here.
“The problem in Nigeria is not personnel and capable hands, this is something that we must understand,” he said.
Hassan said that there were 30, 000 Nigerian trained doctors in the U.S. alone, conducting surgeries and in highly specialised fields.
He, however, said that young medical personnel in the health sector should be encouraged and trained within and outside the country to improve their capacity and reduce medical tourism.
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