Nigeria seeks economic results from partnership with Russia
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Daily Post
Nigeria is calling for Africa-Russia relations to be judged by trade, jobs and industrial growth rather than political declarations alone. In Moscow, State Minister Sola Enikanolaiye invited Russian investors to support infrastructure, energy and industry, according to Daily Post Nigeria.
Nigeria is calling for the Africa-Russia partnership to deliver measurable economic results, particularly in trade, jobs and industrial growth. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Sola Enikanolaiye set out this position on behalf of his country at the third Russia-Africa summit at the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow, Daily Post reports.
The minister called for improvements to banking channels and payment systems, saying financial difficulties were holding back trade between Russian and African businesses. He also advocated greater private-sector involvement, rather than allowing cooperation to depend solely on agreements between governments.
Enikanolaiye cited infrastructure, energy, the digital economy and agriculture as priority sectors. He invited Russian investors to explore opportunities in Nigeria in renewable energy, civil nuclear power, solid minerals and manufacturing, emphasising technology transfer and the development of local capabilities. Abuja also supports settling trade in local currencies with Moscow to reduce reliance on third-country currencies.
Russian President Vladimir Putin described Russia and Africa as natural allies in building a multipolar order and said Moscow intended to deepen its cooperation with the continent. The summit brings together leaders, ministers and economic officials to discuss trade, security and development.
