Nigeria's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, has urged for a shift in Africa-Russia relations towards practical economic cooperation and measurable development outcomes. Delivering Nigeria's National Statement at the Third Africa-Russia Summit in Russia, Enikanolaiye conveyed President Bola Tinubu's greetings to Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Chairman of the African Union, President Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi.
Enikanolaiye stressed that addressing barriers to trade and investment is crucial, citing improved banking channels, cross-border payment arrangements, and financial infrastructure as key areas for focus. He also emphasized the need for greater private-sector participation, noting that governments alone cannot drive the desired economic transformation. This call for action aims to strengthen economic ties between Africa and Russia.
On peace and security, Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to strategic autonomy and African-led solutions to address major threats to the continent's stability and development. These threats include terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime, arms trafficking, piracy, and cybercrime. Enikanolaiye emphasized that international partnerships should strengthen the African Union, ECOWAS, and other regional institutions to effectively tackle these challenges.
Nigeria also urged Russia to support commercially viable infrastructure projects across Africa, particularly in transportation, railways, ports, energy, telecommunications, and logistics. This support aims to improve regional connectivity and advance the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area. By investing in these areas, Africa can enhance its economic integration and competitiveness.
The Minister called for stronger Africa-Russia cooperation in digital development, including digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, software development, and research. He emphasized the importance of technology transfer and capacity building in this area. Additionally, Nigeria advocated for partnerships in agriculture, fertiliser production, irrigation, mechanisation, storage, and agro-processing to strengthen food security.
Enikanolaiye reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to sovereign equality, territorial integrity, non-interference, and peaceful settlement of disputes. He also called for reforms of the United Nations Security Council and the international financial architecture to guarantee Africa's rightful representation. Nigeria expressed support for a fair multipolar world order and opposition to unilateral sanctions and the manipulation of global trade rules.
To ensure effective implementation of summit resolutions, Nigeria proposed a focused Africa-Russia Action Plan for 2027 to 2029, with clear priorities, financing arrangements, and monitoring mechanisms. The Minister invited Russian investors to explore opportunities in Nigeria's energy sector, solid minerals, agriculture, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, defence, and digital services, describing Nigeria as Africa's largest market and a strategic gateway to West Africa.
Key points
- Nigeria urges for practical economic cooperation with Russia
- Africa-Russia relations should focus on measurable development outcomes
- Nigeria proposes an Africa-Russia Action Plan for 2027 to 2029
