Nigeria seeks shift from political commitments to economic results at 3rd Russia-Africa summit

Nigeria has urged Africa-Russia relations to transition from political commitments to measurable economic outcomes affecting citizens. At the 3rd Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye emphasized that while the partnership remains strong, it must now be evaluated based on trade volumes, job creation, and industrial growth.

The Nigerian official stressed the need for improved banking channels and payment systems to facilitate trade, addressing the financial bottlenecks hindering business transactions between Russian and African entities. He advocated for increased private sector involvement in the relationship rather than relying solely on government-to-government agreements.

Priority areas for cooperation, according to Enikanolaiye, include infrastructure, energy, the digital economy, and agriculture, which are pivotal to Africa's development goals and Nigeria's economic diversification aspirations. The minister extended a direct invitation to Russian investors to Nigeria, highlighting potential opportunities in renewables, nuclear technology for peaceful energy, solid minerals, and manufacturing.

Nigeria expressed openness to strategic partnerships that support value addition, technology transfer, and local capacity building. The minister also stated Nigeria's support for a fair and equitable multipolar world order that respects the sovereignty of all nations. Russian President Vladimir Putin affirmed Russia and Africa's natural alliance in building a just multipolar order, underscoring Moscow's commitment to strengthening cooperation with the continent based on mutual respect and non-interference.

The 3rd Russia-Africa Summit convened African leaders, ministers, and business executives to assess progress since the last summit and outline a new framework for collaboration in trade, security, and development.