Nigeria is exploring potential cooperation with Russia in nuclear energy and other key sectors, Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar stated during the 38th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa.

According to Sputnik Africa, the Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom is engaged in discussions with over 20 African nations, including Nigeria, on various nuclear initiatives. These include the construction of both large and small nuclear power plants, the establishment of nuclear science centers, and uranium deposit development (Sputnik Africa).

Nigeria’s Interest in Nuclear Energy and Other Investments Tuggar highlighted that discussions between Nigeria and Russia have covered multiple investment opportunities. “There are so many opportunities that have been discussed. We have discussed atomic energy, we’ve discussed mining, we’ve discussed previous investments during the Soviet era that need to be carried on,” he stated in an interview with Sputnik.

Nigeria Welcomes Potential Putin-Trump Meeting for Global Stability When asked about a potential meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump in Saudi Arabia, Tuggar emphasized that Nigeria welcomes such diplomatic engagements as opportunities for de-escalation. “It’s always good to see two leaders, two leaders of global powers… meeting and talking because it provides for the opportunity to resolve conflict or tension,” he said.

Putin and Trump recently held a 90-minute phone conversation discussing key issues, including detained citizens and the Ukraine situation. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated that Washington remains a key counterpart for Moscow on Ukrainian matters. Trump later announced that plans for a summit with Putin in Saudi Arabia are underway.

Nigeria Joins BRICS as a Partner for Economic Growth Nigeria recently became a BRICS partner nation, aligning itself with other emerging economies. The minister noted that Nigeria already shares strong trade ties with BRICS members, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. “We’re joining as a partner, not as a full member, in an organization that consists of a lot of our close trading partners,” Tuggar explained.

He also highlighted Nigeria’s deep-rooted ties with South Africa, emphasizing that many South African leaders had previously studied alongside Nigerian officials. He expressed optimism that these historical connections would strengthen bilateral relations.

Nigeria officially joined BRICS as a partner in January, alongside Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan, as announced by the Brazilian Foreign Ministry.

Source: Sputnik Africa.