At 65th Anniversary: Russia, Nigeria seek to lift trade volume beyond $1bn

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Russia and Nigeria have renewed their resolve to expand economic ties and grow bilateral trade beyond the current level of under $1 billion, as both nations marked the 65th anniversary of their diplomatic relations at a ceremony in Abuja.

They also reaffirmed their commitment to expand political, security and economic cooperation in the years ahead.

The anniversary event, held in Abuja, brought together senior officials, diplomats to reflect on decades of partnership and chart a new course for future engagement.

Speaking at the reception, Andrey Podelyshev, Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, described the anniversary as a “celebration of trust” and a historic milestone that has shaped relations between both nations since 1960.

He recalled that diplomatic ties were established on November 25, 1960, barely weeks after Nigeria gained independence and followed an earlier letter from the Soviet Union recognising Nigeria’s sovereignty on October 1, 1960.

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Podelyshev said the gesture of early recognition set the tone for a relationship anchored on respect for sovereignty, equality and non-interference.

He noted that Moscow’s support for Nigeria during moments of internal turmoil, including when the country’s territorial integrity was threatened, was guided by sincerity rather than hidden interests.

“Our relations were built from the outset with an independent and sovereign state, a partner equal among equals. Russia stood with Nigeria as a reliable and respectful partner during the most challenging years”, he said.

The envoy highlighted several historic milestones in bilateral engagements, including high-level visits by leaders of both countries.

Among them were former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s trip to Moscow in 2001, the official visit of President Dmitry Medvedev to Nigeria in 2009, and late President Muhammadu Buhari’s participation in the Russia-Africa Summit where he held talks with President Vladimir Putin.

In recent years, engagements have accelerated, underscored by Sergei Lavrov, Foreign Minister’s 2023 visit to Abuja and the 2024 return visit by Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Foreign Minister to Moscow.

Beyond diplomacy, Podelyshev said cooperation between both countries has expanded across energy, geology, education, science, agriculture and culture.

Tens of thousands of Nigerian professionals, he noted, were trained in Soviet and Russian institutions, forming “a genuine bridge of human capital” between the two nations.

However, he stressed that current levels of economic engagement fall short of potential, with bilateral trade still below $1 billion.

He called for a revival of the Intergovernmental Joint Commission on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation and expanded collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, transport, extractive industries, digital technology and energy.

The ambassador also highlighted ongoing military and security cooperation, saying both countries share a long-standing commitment to counterterrorism and regional stability.

He noted that Nigeria’s participation in BRICS as a partner country opens new avenues for joint action, especially as Moscow prepares to host the BRICS Plus Conference on terrorism next week.

Podelyshev reiterated Russia’s support for reforming the United Nations Security Council to give Africa and Nigeria in particular, a stronger voice in global governance.

Dunoma Ahmed, Permanent Secretary of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affair, who represented the Nigerian government, reaffirmed Abuja’s appreciation for Russia’s support over the decades.

He said both countries have maintained steady collaboration based on sovereignty, non-interference and adherence to international law.

Ahmed highlighted Russia’s contributions to Nigeria’s human capital development through scholarships, professional training and technical partnerships in sectors like defense, science, and engineering.

These, he said, have produced generations of experts who continue to serve Nigeria in strategic fields.

He noted that bilateral relations have matured and diversified, covering politics, defense, peacekeeping, counterterrorism, mining, energy, transportation and manufacturing.

He emphasised the importance of accelerating joint economic projects and expanding cooperation in digital innovation, space science and technology transfer.

“Educational exchanges remain one of the strongest pillars of our partnership. Cultural diplomacy, arts, sports and literature continue to strengthen people-to-people ties and deepen mutual understanding”, Ahmed said.

The Permanent Secretary said Nigeria is committed to building a modern strategic partnership with Russia, grounded in mutually beneficial trade, energy transition, technological innovation, global peace and respect for multilateralism.

As both countries marked the anniversary, Ahmed called for greater involvement of private sector players, research institutions and civil society to maximise opportunities created by diplomatic frameworks.

He expressed Nigeria’s appreciation to the Russian government and people, declaring that the relationship has endured because it is built on “sincerity, shared interest and mutual respect.”

The two nations expressed optimism that the next decades will bring deeper cooperation, stronger economic ties and sustained friendship between Africa’s largest democracy and the Russian Federation.

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