By Ebi Kesiena
Nigeria has called on Russia to move beyond diplomatic commitments and translate its longstanding relationship with Africa into concrete economic benefits, urging Russian investors to explore opportunities in Nigeria.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, made the call while delivering Nigeria’s national statement at the Third Russia-Africa Summit held at the Grand Kremlin Palace, where he led the Nigerian delegation.
According to a statement by Rapheal Oni, Special Assistant on Digital Media and Public Diplomacy to the Minister, Enikanolaiye conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s greetings to Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, Chairman of the African Union.
The Minister stressed that Africa-Russia relations must be driven by practical outcomes, improved trade, investment and stronger private-sector participation.
He identified difficulties in banking channels, cross-border payments and financial infrastructure as barriers to trade, calling for sustainable mechanisms to improve business transactions between both sides.
On security, Enikanolaiye reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to African-led solutions, noting that terrorism, violent extremism, organised crime, arms trafficking, piracy and insecurity in the Sahel and Gulf of Guinea require stronger regional and international cooperation.
He urged Russia to support commercially viable infrastructure projects across Africa, particularly in railways, ports, energy, telecommunications, transport and logistics, to strengthen regional connectivity and advance the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The Minister also called for increased cooperation in digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software development and technology transfer, emphasising the need to build Africa’s technological capacity.
On food security, he welcomed Russian collaboration in agricultural technology, fertiliser production and agro-processing, stressing the importance of boosting local production, irrigation, mechanisation and food processing.
Enikanolaiye further advocated reforms of the United Nations Security Council and international financial architecture to guarantee Africa’s rightful representation, while reaffirming Nigeria’s support for sovereign equality, peaceful coexistence and a multipolar world order.
He proposed a focused Africa-Russia Action Plan for 2027–2029, with clear priorities, financing arrangements and monitoring mechanisms to ensure implementation.
He subsequently invited Russian investors to explore opportunities in Nigeria’s energy sector, solid minerals, agriculture, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, defence and digital services, describing the country as Africa’s largest market and a strategic gateway to West Africa.
Meanwhile, Putin described Russia and Africa as natural allies in building a fair multipolar world, while Ndayishimiye emphasised that Africa would pursue independent partnerships without exchanging one form of subordination for another.
