President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has assured the
Russian Government that Nigeria is conducive for investors especially in
the oil, gas, agriculture, mining and power sectors of the economy.
Saraki stated this during a meeting with the leadership of the Upper
Chamber of the Russian Parliament – Federation Council of the Federal
Assembly of the Russian Federation – in Moscow, led by its Chairperson,
Ms. Valentina Matviyenko.
“Russia could take a more active part in economic and business projects in
Nigeria. Your State must necessarily play its role on the African
continent,” Saraki said. “Together we could consider new opportunities
for mutually beneficial economic cooperation.”
He called for increased access for Nigerians willing to visit and do
business in Russia, improved trade relations and military support to aid
Nigeria in the fight against terrorism, human trafficking and irregular
migration.
He said that there is greater need for parliamentary cooperation and
collaboration between the two parliaments in order to entrench better
legislative practices, cross fertilize ideas and improve relations between
both countries.
He said while Nigeria appreciates the assistance the Russian Government
has rendered to Nigeria in the supply of military hardware to fight Boko
Haram, more support is needed to fully restore security and normalcy in
affected areas.
He said that the National Assembly is eager to work with the Russian
Parliament to strengthen Nigeria-Russia relations and by extension the
African continent.
“Russia and Nigeria need to strengthen cooperation for the prosperity of
our peoples,” Saraki said.
On her part, Chairperson of the Federation Council, Ms. Valentina
Matviyenko, said the Russian Parliament will continue to build on the good
relations between Nigeria and Russia while collaborating closely with the
National Assembly.
She thanked the President of the Senate and his delegation for the visit
Senate and said that Russia values the existing good diplomatic relations
between both countries.
END