…woo Russian investors, seeks stronger trade, technology and security cooperation
By Gloria Ikibah 
Nigeria has called on Russia to move its partnership with Africa beyond political commitments to concrete economic gains, urging both sides to prioritise trade, investment, infrastructure and technology transfer.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and leader of the Nigerian delegation to the Third Russia-Africa Summit, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, made the call while delivering Nigeria’s national statement at the Grand Kremlin Palace, Russia.
Amb. Enikanolaiye, who conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s greetings to Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Chairman of the African Union (AU), President Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, said the partnership must produce measurable results that address Africa’s development priorities.
He emphasised the need to tackle practical barriers to trade and investment, particularly through improved banking channels, payment arrangements and financial infrastructure that would make doing business between Africa and Russia easier.
The minister also called for greater involvement of the African private sector, noting that governments alone could not deliver the full benefits of the partnership.
On peace and security, Enikanolaiye reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strategic autonomy and stressed the importance of international cooperation in addressing terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime, arms trafficking, piracy and cybercrime.
He identified instability in the Sahel and Gulf of Guinea as major threats to collective security and development, calling for partnerships anchored on African ownership and African-led solutions.
According to him, external partnerships should strengthen existing regional institutions, including the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other regional mechanisms.
On infrastructure development, the minister urged Russia to collaborate with African countries on commercially viable projects in transportation, railways, ports, energy, telecommunications and logistics.
He said priority should be given to infrastructure that improves regional connectivity and supports the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Enikanolaiye also called for stronger Africa-Russia cooperation in the digital economy, insisting that the continent must not enter the digital age merely as a consumer of technology.
He proposed expanded collaboration in digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, software development and joint research, with emphasis on technology transfer, capacity building and developing local expertise.
Addressing agriculture and food security, the minister said recent global disruptions had exposed the vulnerability of food systems and supply chains, making stronger domestic production capacity imperative for African countries.
He identified storage, processing, fertiliser availability, irrigation, mechanisation and agricultural research as critical areas requiring investment and international cooperation.
He also welcomed Russian collaboration in agricultural technology, fertiliser production and agro-processing, saying such partnerships would enable African countries to produce more, process more and retain greater economic value within the continent.
On international relations, Enikanolaiye reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to sovereign equality, territorial integrity, non-interference and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
He called for dialogue, diplomacy and respect for international law, while reiterating Nigeria’s support for reforms of the United Nations Security Council and the international financial architecture to guarantee Africa’s rightful representation.
The minister said the success of the Third Russia-Africa Summit should not be measured by declarations alone but by what both sides achieve after the meeting.
He therefore announced Nigeria’s support for a focused and realistic Africa-Russia Action Plan for 2027–2029, with clearly defined priorities, financing arrangements and monitoring frameworks.
Enikanolaiye also used the occasion to invite Russian businesses and investors to explore opportunities in Nigeria, describing the country as Africa’s largest market and a strategic gateway to West Africa and the AfCFTA.
He listed energy, including renewable and nuclear technology, solid minerals, agriculture, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, defence and digital services among the sectors offering investment opportunities.
On financial cooperation, the minister said Nigeria hoped to deepen independent local currency settlement mechanisms with Russia through agreed standards for cross-border payments.
He further reiterated Nigeria’s support for a fair multipolar world order, opposing unilateral sanctions and what he described as the political manipulation of global trade rules.
According to him, the summit had strengthened the longstanding friendly relations between Nigeria and Russia, which date back to the Soviet era, while creating opportunities to enhance Nigeria’s capacity for independent development and constructive participation in regional and international cooperation.
He recalled Russia’s historic support for Nigeria’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, describing the country as a dependable and time-honoured partner.
Speaking at the plenary session, Russian President Vladimir Putin described Russia and Africa as natural allies in building a just multipolar world order.
Putin reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to sovereign equality, increased diplomatic engagement, security support for internal stability and greater African representation in global institutions.
Also addressing the summit, its co-chair and AU Chairman, President Evariste Ndayishimiye, stressed that Africa would pursue independent international cooperation without replacing one form of subordination with another.
He said the 2027–2029 Action Plan will provide an opportunity to address the continent’s infrastructure gaps through technology transfer and talent development, with the ultimate goal of transforming Africa from an aid recipient into an independent global actor.
Ndayishimiye also identified water security as a major priority on the African Union’s agenda for 2026.
The Third Russia-Africa Summit is aimed at strengthening political, economic and strategic cooperation between Russia and African countries.
