Nigeria has called on Russia to translate its longstanding relationship with Africa into concrete economic benefits, particularly in trade, infrastructure, technology and food security. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, made the call while delivering Nigeria’s national statement at the Third Africa-Russia Summit at the Grand Kremlin Palace. He urged both sides […]
Nigeria has called on Russia to translate its longstanding relationship with Africa into concrete economic benefits, particularly in trade, infrastructure, technology and food security.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, made the call while delivering Nigeria’s national statement at the Third Africa-Russia Summit at the Grand Kremlin Palace.
He urged both sides to address barriers to trade, including limited banking channels and cross-border payment systems. He also proposed greater cooperation in local currency settlements.
Enikanolaiye called for increased Russian investment in railways, ports, energy, agriculture and digital infrastructure. He stressed the need for technology transfer and research, saying Africa must develop its own technological capabilities rather than remain a consumer of foreign technology.
On security, the minister warned that terrorism, organised crime and instability across the Sahel and Gulf of Guinea required stronger international cooperation, anchored on African ownership and regional solutions.
He also advocated reforms of the United Nations Security Council and global financial institutions to give Africa a stronger voice in international decision-making.
Enikanolaiye said Nigeria supports a focused 2027 to 2029 Africa-Russia Action Plan with clear financing and implementation frameworks, insisting that the summit’s success should be measured by tangible results rather than declarations.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin described Africa and Russia as natural allies in building a multipolar world order and pledged stronger diplomatic and security cooperation.
African Union Chairman, President Evariste Ndayishimiye, cautioned that Africa must not replace one form of dependency with another, stressing the importance of independent partnerships, technology transfer and economic self-reliance.
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