India and Nigeria were both part of the British Empire. Indians were brought to Africa by the British to build the rail network in Africa. However, most of the Indian population, along with other foreigners from across the Empire, fled to either the United Kingdom, the United States, or back to their country of origin during the Nigerian Civil War. With a fast rising and booming economy that ranks the fifth largest in the world today India has invested over USD 15 billion in Nigeria. There are over 85 well known Indian firms that have set up business in Nigeria creating jobs and opportunities for Nigerians. According to the High Commission of India in Abuja there are an estimated 35,000 Indians in Nigeria.