Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has spoken in superlatives about the existing diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Russia since December 25, 1960, just as he has reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian government towards strengthening the bilateral relations.
The Minister stated this during his working visit to Russia on March 6, 2024, where he met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Sergey Lavrov.
He also said that both countries supported each other in their quests for elective positions in the United Nations specialized agencies and other international engagements.
He equally stressed the importance that Nigeria attaches to its relations with the Russian Federation and reaffirmed that Russia remains an important ally and a strategic partner for Nigeria, especially in the fight against terrorism.
He also appreciated the Russian Federation’s immense support and solidarity with the Nigerian government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He equally disclosed that Nigeria is exploring the possibility of joining BRICS and seeking to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council as part of efforts to ensure that Nigeria and Africa are represented at the highest levels of global decision-making.
The Minister expressed Nigeria’s support for a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict while highlighting that both countries are significant exporters of grains worldwide. He noted that the conflict affects Russia’s ability to sell its grains to Africa.
Amb. Tuggar also pointed out that the Joint Commission between Nigeria and Russia was established to provide a framework for the implementation of the concluded bilateral agreements and that since its inception, the Commission has held four sessions: 2014 (Moscow), 2006 (Abuja), 2009 (Moscow) and in 2016 (Abuja).
He acknowledged 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.
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 Russia and Nigeria and appreciated the Russian Government’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. Amb. Tuggar sought Russia’s cooperation in education and acknowledged Russia’s support through scholarships to Nigerian students over the years, which he said had greatly benefitted not only Nigeria but humanity.
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