THIRD RUSSIA-AFRICA SUMMIT: NIGERIA CALLS FOR DELIVERY-ORIENTED PARTNERSHIP, INVITES RUSSIAN INVESTORS TO NIGERIA
The Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Nigerian Delegation, H.E. Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye, has called for a decisive shift in Africa-Russia relations from political commitment to economic delivery and measurable results.
Delivering Nigeria’s National Statement at the Grand Kremlin Palace, Amb. Enikanolaiye conveyed the warm greetings of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to President Vladimir Putin and President Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, Chairman of the African Union.
Addressing trade and investment, he noted that practical barriers must be addressed through sustainable mechanisms including improved banking channels, payment arrangements and financial infrastructure that enhance ease of doing business with Africa. He stressed that the future of the partnership cannot be built by governments alone and encouraged greater participation of the African private sector.
On peace, security and strategic autonomy, the Minister reaffirmed that consistent with Nigeria’s policy of strategic autonomy, Nigeria attaches great importance to peace and security in Africa. He stressed that terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime, arms trafficking, piracy, cybercrime and instability in the Sahel and Gulf of Guinea threaten collective security and development, and require cooperation and partnerships at regional and international levels, anchored on African ownership and African-led solutions. He added that external partnerships should strengthen the African Union, ECOWAS and other regional mechanisms.
On infrastructure, Amb. Enikanolaiye urged Russia to work with African countries on commercially viable projects in transport, railways, ports, energy, telecommunications and logistics. He said particular attention should be given to infrastructure that strengthens regional connectivity and reinforces the objectives of the AfCFTA.
Turning to the digital economy, the Minister stated that Africa must not enter the digital age merely as a consumer. He proposed stronger cooperation in digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, software development and joint research, with priority given to technology transfer, capacity building and development of African capabilities.
On agriculture and food security, the Minister said recent global disruptions have exposed the vulnerability of food systems and supply chains. He noted that Africa needs partnerships that strengthen domestic production, storage, processing, fertiliser availability, irrigation, mechanisation, agricultural research and resilient food systems to help the continent produce more, process more and retain more value within Africa. He welcomed Russian cooperation in agricultural technology, fertiliser production and agro-processing.
The Minister further reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, non-interference and peaceful settlement of disputes, calling for dialogue, diplomacy and respect for international law. He added that Nigeria will continue to advocate for reform of the UN Security Council and the international financial architecture to ensure Africa’s rightful representation.
On implementation, he said the success of the Third Summit should be judged by what happens after it. Nigeria therefore supports the adoption of a focused and realistic Africa-Russia Action Plan for 2027–2029 with clear priorities, financing arrangements and monitoring frameworks.
In conclusion, Amb. Enikanolaiye invited Russian businesses to look more closely at Nigeria as Africa’s largest market and strategic gateway to West Africa and the AfCFTA, listing vast opportunities in energy including renewables and nuclear technology, solid minerals, agriculture, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, defence and digital services.
He further emphasized that Nigeria supports the construction of a fair multipolar world order and opposes unilateral sanctions and the political manipulation of global trade rules. Speaking further, he said Nigeria hopes to deepen independent local currency settlement mechanisms with Russia on agreed standard systems on cross-border payment.
According to him, the summit consolidated the long-standing friendly foundation of Nigeria-Russia relations dating back to the Soviet era and will help enhance Nigeria’s capacity for independent development and its constructive role in regional and international cooperation.
He recalled Russia as a dependable and time-honoured partner, fondly remembered for its historic support for Nigeria’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
At the plenary session, President Vladimir Putin described Russia and Africa as natural allies in building a just multipolar order, reaffirming Russia’s commitment to sovereign equality, expanded diplomatic engagement, security support for internal stability, and greater African representation in global institutions.
Co-chair and AU Chairman President Evariste Ndayishimiye stressed Africa’s independent cooperation stance, noting that the continent will not replace one form of subordination with another. He said the Summit will leverage the 2027–2029 Action Plan to close infrastructure gaps through technology transfer and talent development, transforming Africa from aid recipient to independent global actor, with water security as a top priority of the AU’s 2026 agenda.
This was contained in a statement signed by Raphael Oni, Special Assistant on Digital Media and Public Diplomacy
to the Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja
30th Oct., 2026