The Federal Government has expressed Nigeria’s support for a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
In a statement from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, this commitment was made during his working visit to Russia on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, where he met with hos counterpart in Moscow, Sergey Lavrov.
Tuggar stated that Nigeria and Russia have enjoyed cordial bilateral relations since establishing diplomatic ties on December 25, 1960, noting that both countries have supported each other in their quests for elective positions in the United Nations specialised agencies and other international engagements.
He equally stressed the importance that Nigeria attaches to its relations with the Russian Federation and reaffirms that Russia remains an important ally and a strategic partner for Nigeria, especially in the fight against terrorism.
He disclosed that Nigeria is exploring the possibility of joining BRICS and seeks to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council as part of efforts to ensure that the country and Africa are represented at the highest levels of global decision-making.
Tuggar also pointed out that the Joint Commission between Nigeria and Russia was established to provide a framework for the implementation of concluded bilateral agreements and that since its inception, the Commission has held four sessions including in 2014 (Moscow), 2006 (Abuja), 2009 (Moscow) and in 2016 (Abuja) adding that it was Russia’s turn to host the next session.
He expressed Nigeria’s determination to conclude all outstanding bilateral agreements and a framework for deepening economic, cultural, and political ties for the mutual benefit of both countries.
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The Minister also acknowledged Russia’s commitment towards facilitating the continued financing and execution of the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited and the resuscitation of the Aluminium Smelting Company in Nigeria by AC Rusal
He postulated that Nigeria and Russia had agreed to cooperate in building nuclear power plants in Nigeria and that the Russia State Atomic Energy Corporation (ROSATOM) had signed the first Intergovernmental Agreement to cooperate in developing atomic energy for peaceful purposes in 2009 and further stated that Nigeria is interested in partnering with Russia on renewable energy, particularly on the peaceful use of nuclear power.
The Minister highlighted the longstanding military and defence cooperation between Russian and Nigeria and appreciated the Moscow’s support and assistance in intelligence sharing, which has aided the fight against terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria. He disclosed that military relations between Russia and Nigeria date back to the Soviet era while appreciating the support received during the Nigerian Civil War between 1967 and 1970.
Tuggar sought Russia’s cooperation in education and acknowledged the country support through scholarships to Nigerian students over the years, which he said greatly benefitted not only Nigeria but humanity.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
