Right from the beginning, Companies belonging to the Indian diaspora focused on value additions. In the 60’s, they commenced with production of Umbrellas, PVC shoes, Textile Weaving & Printing. They quickly added other business verticals – Plastics, Packaging, Steel, Aluminum, Pharmaceuticals, Construction, Telecommunications, Power, Business consulting, Information technology, Oil & Gas are amongst others. Today the Indian diaspora plays a leadership role in all aspects of the Nigerian economy. Besides Indian owned corporates, their work is well appreciated & respected in companies of Nigerian ownership, multinationals etc.

The growth & maturing of Indian owned/lead businesses saw the influx of other professionals be it Engineers, Accountants, Supply chain specialists, Networking professionals, IT experts. This sowed the seeds of Indian Professionals Forum as a non-profit association of Indian professionals working and operating in Nigeria. 14 visionary Indian professionals met on 27th May 1994 at Indian High Commission, Lagos under the stewardship of the then High Commissioner of India to Nigeria and had first meeting and sowed the seed of Indian Professionals Forum. What started with a vision of 14 professionals, IPF today boast membership strength of over 1000 Indian Professionals working in Nigeria. We connect professionals and beyond.

The association operates from Indian High Commission, Lagos and is managed by an elected executive committee. Member’s base includes reputed corporates based in Nigeria and highly placed Indian Expatriate Professionals. IPF operates under the auspicious leadership of the Indian High Commission in Nigeria. Sitting High Commissioner of India to Nigeria is our chief patron.

The Indian Professionals Forum provides a platform for Indian Professionals to interact with experienced – top professionals, policy makers, trade delegations from India and other countries and respected personalities of their respective fields in Nigeria and abroad.

Indian Professionals working in Nigeria have kept India’s flag flying high projecting their hard work, professionalism, work ethic and through their peaceful and law-abiding nature. The Professionals have excelled in the field of Business, IT, Medical, Teaching and various field making their indelible mark. The impact due to this has been far reaching on the lives of Nigerians which has helped to cement and increase India’s and Indian Professionals respect in their eyes.

We all are aware of Nigeria’s relevance to India in terms of it being a trading partner and hence the role of Indian professionals here become all the more crucial and pivotal. India sources 12% of its oil needs from Nigeria and for Nigeria, India is amongst the top 5 countries where it imports its products from.