General

Nigeria Outlines Strategies to Boost Economic Ties with Russia

Published

7 years ago

17/02/2019

By Kester Kenn Klomegah

Nigeria is an economic powerhouse in West African region. As it is publicly known, Nigeria is one of the Africa’s fastest growing economies and it boosts the largest population.

Under President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria has taken practical steps to continue bolstering economic and strategic ties with Russia.

Interestingly, Russia and Nigeria’s two-way trade remains minimal, far below expected level, given the fact that Russia is the biggest market in the Eurasian region and Nigeria the biggest market in Africa.

Relations between Nigeria and Russia can be traced back to the former Union of the Soviet of Social Republics era when diplomatic relations between the two countries were established. Since then, economic relations between both countries have steadily developed with a number of leading Russian companies establishing their presence in Nigeria. Russian investment in Nigeria covers such areas as energy, iron and steel, and hydrocarbon.

The Russian-Nigerian Business Council was also established to oversee economic activities between the two countries. It is also a platform for the two countries to sit down and draw up agreements and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on how to conduct effective businesses and investment in both countries.

Now, new hopes in Moscow and Abuja are that the countries’ annual commercial ties have to be increased rapidly to billions of dollars during the next few years. Russia plans to help Nigeria explore for oil and gas.

Furthermore, Russia has expressed deep interest in Nigeria, highly pledging to build nuclear power plants, petroleum pipelines, railways and infrastructure.

Kester Kenn Klomegah recently interviewed Professor Steve Ugbah, Nigerian Ambassador to the Russian Federation, who discussed the current Nigeria and Russia economic cooperation, ways to improve trade and other key foreign policy priorities.

In addition, Professor Ugbah shares hopes and optimism for the future relations between the two countries.

How do you see the economic relations developing currently between Russia and Nigeria?

The economic relations between Nigeria and Russia are not consistent with the long-standing cordial relations between both countries. This may be attributed to the apparent inadequate knowledge of the many investment opportunities in both countries. Nigeria is a vast market with huge potentials for prospective foreign investors and so is Russia. Regrettably, investors from both sides appear to know little or nothing about these opportunities.

However, in recent times, efforts have been made to improve the economic relations between both countries through rigorous sensitization interfaces and negotiations by the embassies of both countries. Since, my resumption of office as Nigerian Ambassador to the Russian Federation, I have held talks with several Russian companies who have demonstrated keen interest to invest in Nigeria, as well as resuscitating several abandoned economic projects.

I would like to add that, with our current sensitization drive on the economic potentials in both countries, there is an encouraging upsurge of interest that we have observed recently with an increasing number of interactions between private businesses in both countries. So given this development, I believe in a short time there will be tremendous improvement in the economic relations between both countries.

By the way, what are the Federal Government’s key priorities and expectations from the Russian Federation?

The priorities of the Federal Government of Nigeria from the Russian Government include the following: to promote mutually beneficial interests, particularly the promotion of friendly and cordial relations between the government and people of Nigeria and those of the Russian Federation; as well as to facilitate good socio-economic partnership and establish business ties that will be beneficial to both countries.

In addition, also a key component of Nigeria’s interest is to protect and promote the security and wellbeing of Nigerian citizens resident in the Russian Federation.

These priorities are pursued majorly through interactions at official levels between both governments and between the peoples of the two countries; exchange of official visits and cultural programmes and the signing of series of agreements including the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) which has brought many Nigerian students to various institutions in the Russian Federation.

What is the state of development regarding infrastructure projects already began by Russia, at least, a decade ago, in Nigeria?

There are two major infrastructural Russian projects in Nigeria: ALSCON and Ajaokuta Steel Plant. ALSCON has been resuscitated, while negotiations are ongoing to operationalize Ajaokuta Steel Plant.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations with Soviet Union and now with Russia, trade figures have never balanced. What are your views about this trend and in what ways the trade imbalance could be reversed?

As I have stated earlier, the problem of low volume of trade and trade imbalance may be traced to the apparent poor or inadequate information on the vast investment opportunities in both countries. Concrete efforts have been made by the Embassy to increase awareness among Nigerian investors and their Russian counterparts on the many available investment opportunities.

I have held series of meetings with the Russian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Russia-Nigerian Business Council and several companies and private owned business establishments here in the Russian Federation to promote economic partnership between both countries.

My duties as Nigerian Ambassador in the Russian Federation include: to deepen the existing cordial relations between our two friendly countries; to open Nigeria to Russian investors with regards to our vast business opportunities; and to expose investment openings in the Russian Federation to Nigerian investors.

In order to improve the trade imbalance, the Economic, Trade and Investment Section of the Embassy has been rigorously involved in educating and informing Nigerian investors of the investment opportunities in Russia, as well as providing necessary assistance they may require to invest in Russia.

In Nigeria, how do political elite and business people perceive the economic changes, and what they make out from the changes, emerging opportunities in Russia?

Economic changes are keenly observed by both, the political elite and business people, as it helps them to make informed decisions that would improve the state of the nation and business, respectively. Nigeria views Russia as a strategic partner therefore, efforts are being made to harness emerging opportunities in Russia by Nigeria.

Could you please give us your interpretation of future perspectives of the relations between Russia and Nigeria. How would you like to see the relations develop into the future?

Nigeria-Russia relations have come a long way since diplomatic ties were established between both countries, dating back to the Soviet Union Era. This can be seen in the different levels of cooperation between Nigeria and Russia. Worthy of mention in this regard is the diligent implementation of the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA); Russia military assistance to end the Nigerian Civil War from 1967-1970; and, in recent times, military and technical assistance to help end the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East of Nigeria.

Recently, exchange of visits by senior public officials and private sector players from both sides have facilitated the prospects for even greater bilateral cooperation. I am hopeful that this cordiality will expand into various partnerships in different sectors that would be beneficial to both countries. Russia, as the successor state to the defunct USSR, is a strategic partner, with a lot of promise for greater mutually beneficial relations into the future.

General

DSS Re-Arraigns Malami, Son on Terrorism, Firearms Charges

Published

3 hours ago

15/04/2026

Adedapo Adesanya

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday re-arraigned former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN) and his son, Abdulaziz, before a Federal High Court in Abuja on an amended charge bordering on alleged terrorism and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

The counsel to the DSS, Mr Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), told the court that an amended charge has been filed to replace an earlier one on which they had been arraigned.

Mr Kehinde applied to withdraw the earlier charge and requested that the amended one be read to the defendant for the pleas to be taken afresh.

The counsel to the defendants, Mr Shaibu Aruwa (SAN), confirmed that his clients were served with the amended charge and agreed that the fresh charge be read to the defendants.

Mr Malami and his son are alleged to have, in December 2025, prepared to commit acts of terrorism by having in their possession and without a license, a Sturm Magnum 17 – 0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live rounds of cartridges and 27 expended Redstar.

However, Mr Malami and his son both pleaded not guilty, following which the prosecution sought a date for the commencement of the trial.

Mr Aruwa did not object to a date for trial, but prayed the court to allow the defendants to remain on the bail earlier granted them by the court, on the conditions they had met.

With Mr Kehinde not opposing Mr Aruwa’s oral application, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik held that the defendants should continue on the bail earlier granted them on February 27, which conditions they had met.

Justice Abdulmalik adjourned till May 26 and June 15 for trial.

Counts in the amended charge read:

“That you Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, sometime in December, 2025, at Geeze Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did engage in preparation to commit acts of terrorism by having in your possession and without license, a Sturm Magnum 17 – 0101 firearm, Sixteen (16) Redstar AAA 5’20 live rounds of Cartridges and Twenty-Seven (27) expended Redstar and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 29 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

“That you, Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, sometime in December, 2025, at Geeze Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did conspire amongst yourselves in preparation to commit acts of terrorism by having in your possession and without a license a Sturm Magnum 17 – 0101 firearm, Sixteen (16) Redstar AAA 5’20 live rounds of Cartridges and Twenty-Seven (27) expended Redstar, contrary to Section 26 (1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition Act) 2022 and punishable under Section 26 (3) (a) and (b) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition Act) 2022.

“That you, Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, sometime in December, 2025, at Geeze Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, without a license, did have in your possession a Sturm Magnum 17 – 0101 firearm and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 3 of the Firearms Act, CAP F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1) (a) (i) of the Firearms Act, CAP F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

“That you, Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, sometime in December, 2025, at Geeze Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, without a license, did have in your possession Sixteen (16) Redstar AAA 5’20 live rounds of Cartridges and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8 (1) (b) (ii) of the Firearms Act, CAP F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1) (a) (i) of the Firearms Act, CAP F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

“That you, Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, sometime in December, 2025, at Geeze Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, without a license, did have in your possession Twenty-Seven (27) expended Redstar AAA 5’20 live rounds of Cartridges and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8 (1) (b) (ii) of the Firearms Act, CAP F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1) (a) (i) of the Firearms Act, CAP F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”

General

DHQ Denies Deploying Repentant Boko Haram Fighters to Tackle Terrorism

Published

3 hours ago

15/04/2026

Adedapo Adesanya

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed claims circulating on social media that repentant and active Boko Haram members are being armed to fight alongside Nigerian troops under Operation Safe Corridor.

The allegation, made in a viral video by a Danish vlogger identified as Jones Raw, was described by the military as “false, misleading, and entirely unfounded.”

The Coordinator of Operation Safe Corridor, Brigadier General Yusuf Ali, clarified that the facility shown in the video is not one of the programme’s De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration (DRR) camps.

He explained that the official OPSC facility handling former Boko Haram members is located in Mallam Sidi, Gombe State, and operates as a secure and controlled military environment.

According to him, the location depicted in the video does not match the structural design, layout, or operational setting of the recognised facility.

He further noted that neither the vlogger nor the individuals featured in the footage have ever been granted access to the camp.

The officer stressed that Operation Safe Corridor is a strictly non-kinetic, multi-agency initiative focused on the deradicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of carefully screened individuals.

“At no point are participants armed, mobilised, or deployed for combat operations,” he said, adding that beneficiaries are handed over to state authorities after completing the programme and remain under monitoring frameworks.

He added that the initiative operates with the support of international partners, including the European Union, ensuring adherence to global best practices and transparency.

The DHQ maintained that the programme remains a key component of Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategy, aimed at reducing the number of active fighters and encouraging voluntary disengagement from insurgent groups.

He also invited credible observers to visit the OPSC facility in Mallam Sidi to independently verify its operations, urging the public to disregard the misleading claims, which seek to destabilise the country.

General

10 Reasons to Join the MTN MIP 2026 Webinar April 16

Published

11 hours ago

15/04/2026

Business Post Contributor

If you work in media and have been watching the industry shift around you, faster news cycles, shrinking revenues, AI in the newsroom, the MTN Media Innovation Programme may be exactly the kind of intervention your career needs right now.

Now in its fifth edition and bigger than it has ever been, MIP 2026 is calling for applications. The webinar on April 16 is your best first step.

What Is the MTN Media Innovation Programme?

The MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP) is a certificate course run by the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, with a focus on the convergence between ICT and the media. It is a fellowship for journalists and media practitioners across the entire spectrum, including social media, designed to help them build capacity at both professional and business levels, delivered over a six-month period.

The programme gives participants skills to create better content, run media businesses, and earn money in a tough industry. It mixes classroom time, international trips, and real-world visits.

This year, the programme crosses a significant milestone. The cohort has been expanded to 25 fellows, up from 20 in previous editions, as a deliberate reflection of MTN Nigeria’s 25-year anniversary.

Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Nigeria, explained the thinking behind it: “The expansion to 25 fellows this year is a deliberate reflection of our 25-year milestone, and a reminder that as the media industry continues to evolve, there is a continued need to invest in the people and ideas that will shape its future.”

MTN is hosting a webinar on April 16 to walk prospective applicants through everything they need to know. Here is why you should be on that call.

You will understand exactly what MIP is built to do. MIP is designed to increase participants’ knowledge and skill base and help them understand the changing media landscape and how to effectively use technology to create impactful media content. The webinar is your clearest path to grasping that mission before you apply.
You will learn how to apply correctly, before it is too late. With less than a week between the webinar and the closing date, attendance gives you just enough time to fix mistakes and strengthen your submission before the April 22 deadline.
You will know for certain whether you qualify. MIP is open to media practitioners and digital content creators across the entire spectrum, including social media. But eligibility has specific requirements. The webinar helps you confirm your fit before you invest time in the application.
You will understand what the selectors are actually looking for. Shortlisted candidates are reviewed independently based on professional merit, potential impact, and their commitment to the evolution of African media. Knowing this helps you position your application more effectively.
You will grasp the full scope of the curriculum. Fellows build skills in three main areas: the telecom industry, media innovation, and writing and reporting. Modules cover media entrepreneurship, ethics, fintech, 5G, financial reporting, and more. The webinar will walk you through what that looks like in practice.
You will learn about the international component. Accepted participants get a seven-day, all-expenses-paid trip to South Africa for special training in Johannesburg, including a day at MTN Nigeria Headquarters and another at MTN Group Headquarters, plus industry visits and tours at an Innovation Hub.
You will hear what past fellows actually experienced. The alumni speak for themselves. Oloye Ayodele Samuel, CEO of Rock FM Jalingo and a past MIP fellow, described it this way: “This fellowship is a transformative experience that has completely shifted my perspective. From Nigeria to South Africa, the training and conversations have ignited a burning desire to push beyond the status quo. It’s a new future reimagined, and it’s coming soon.”
You will see the career value of the alumni network. The programme has built a strong alumni network, with participants occupying key roles across media organisations and contributing to public discourse through impactful storytelling. The webinar will show you what that network looks like and what it can open up for growth.
You will get your questions answered live. A few things sharpen an application like a direct answer to the question you were afraid to ask. A live session removes the guesswork that costs candidates competitive ground.
You will leave with the momentum to apply actually. Content Strategist and MIP 2 fellow Anu Odubanjo put it plainly: “If you are in the media industry, here is a life-changing opportunity you shouldn’t miss. Being selected as one of the 20 fellows for the second cohort of the fully funded media fellowship out of over 2,500 applications was definitely the highlight of 2023 for me. Truly an unforgettable experience and one I will forever cherish.”