Russia’s Trade Commissioner, Maxim Petrov, and Nigeria’s Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Doris Uzoka-Anite, met in Abuja to map out wider joint work on education, trade, and investment. The talks took place days after the United States retained Nigeria on a Level 3 travel advisory and ordered non-essential embassy staff to leave, citing terrorism, kidnapping, armed crime, and civil unrest in several states.
Uzoka — Anite told Petrov that Abuja is eager to broaden its diplomatic roster, saying Nigeria “remains open and ready to support innovative approaches that deepen collaboration” and stressing that partnerships must produce visible results for federal and state governments. She acknowledged existing projects with Moscow but said gaps remain in technology transfer and human capital development.
Petrov said Russia will focus on direct deals with state governments, starting with education and vocational training. He disclosed that 200 Nigerian students are already on full Russian scholarships and that enrolment will rise in medical sciences, industry, and hospitality. “We are not here to impose our interests but to understand Nigeria’s priorities and work together as true partners,” he added.
Officials at the Budget Ministry said the relationship is “steadily evolving” and could open fresh economic opportunities. Analysts view the outreach as part of a wider Nigerian strategy to offset Western security concerns and keep development funding flowing from non-traditional partners.
Source: Africa.businessinsider
Original author: Segun Adeyemi
