By Emmanuel Nduka Obisue
The BRICS Women’s Business Alliance (WBA), led by its Russian chapter, has announced plans to establish a regional office in Nigeria to strengthen economic cooperation and support women-led enterprises across Africa and the BRICS bloc.
The development was disclosed at a press briefing in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital on Tuesday after a two-day working visit by a five-member Russian delegation, headed by Anna Nesterova, Chairperson of the BRICS WBA Russian Chapter.
The delegation also met with Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at the State House in Abuja.
BRICS is a geopolitical and economic forum comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
Nesterova said the visit aimed to highlight the alliance’s objectives and identify opportunities in key sectors, including technology, healthcare, education, agriculture, and labour mobility.
“This was our first meeting here in Nigeria. We introduced ourselves and expressed our readiness to open a regional office in the country. Nigeria is a promising market, and we see great potential in working with local partners,” she stated.
She stressed that the alliance operates as an independent, action-driven initiative within the BRICS framework, with each national chapter accountable for measurable results.
“The ultimate goal of the Women’s Business Alliance is not just meetings, but action. That is why it is very important for us to be here and to start the process of opening the regional office of the Women’s Business Alliance in Nigeria. It is our mission to develop your country,” she added.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening relations with Russia through women-led economic engagement, noting that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s priorities of inclusive growth, youth empowerment, and global partnerships.
She also praised First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for supporting the project, describing her as an “excellent example of the transformative power of women in shaping societies and building bridges across nations.”
Her media aide, Magnus Eze, later issued a statement highlighting potential areas of collaboration such as agriculture, energy, digital innovation, and education.
“With Nigeria’s vast market, natural resources, and youthful population, combined with Russia’s technological expertise, we can build win-win partnerships,” the statement read.
The minister stressed that women entrepreneurs would play a central role in ensuring such partnerships are sustainable and inclusive.
“This gathering is more than symbolic. It must result in actionable outcomes—identifying cooperation frameworks, establishing joint ventures, and building networks between Nigerian and Russian women entrepreneurs. We are ready to work closely with our Russian counterparts and the broader BRICS platform to promote inclusive prosperity,” she said.
