This information was revealed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria Yusuf Tuggar during an interview with the Russian newspaper, Sputnik, on the sidelines of the 38th AU Summit in Addis Ababa.
He disclosed that the West African economic giant and Africa’s largest oil producer is currently negotiating a potential partnership with Russia in nuclear energy and several other areas.
“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,” the minister revealed.
Responding to a question regarding the imminent meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the minister stated that Nigeria concurs with the de-escalation opportunity as the two leaders meet in Saudi Arabia.
“It’s a welcome development. It’s always good to see two leaders, two leaders of global powers. Both countries are global powers meeting and talking because it provides the opportunity to resolve conflict or tension. So, this is something that I’m sure every well-meaning citizen of the planet would welcome,” Tugga said.
The minister also spoke about Nigeria’s recent entry into the BRICS group of nations as a partner state, noting that the country’s relationship with several BRICS countries goes way back.
“We’re joining an organization as a partner, not as a member, that consists of a lot of our close trading partners. Brazil, for instance, of course, Russia, our relationship goes a long way back. India, one of our strongest trading partners, and China, of course, the biggest trading partner today of Nigeria, and South Africa is our sister country,” the minister revealed to a Sputnik correspondent.
While addressing ties with South Africa, the Nigerian minister remarked that many of the senior leaders in the Southern African country had studied with future Nigerian officials.
He highlighted the significance of these connections and expressed optimism that they will benefit both countries in the future.
