Servicing Centre For Russian Manufacturers To Be Established In Nigeria
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo has assured Russian investors of Nigeria’s conducive environment and robust relationship to strive in the country.
Adebayo gave the assurance while receiving a delegation of Russian Companies Chief Executive Officers in his office in Abuja.
The Minister said Nigeria and Russia are blessed with resources needed for economic development hence the need for more closer ties among the two countries.
He stated that President Muhammadu Buhari’s led administration is already embarking on some infrastructural projects required for foreign investors to grow their businesses thereby contributing to national economic development.
Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo therefore advised the Russian delegation to use the opportunity of their visit to discuss areas of economic benefits with their Nigerian counterparts for the growth of MSMEs.
In a remark, the Chairman, Nigerian In Diaspora Organization, NIDO, Mr Uwem-edimo Sampson said a Servicing Centre would be established in Nigeria to serve as link between Russian and Nigerian companies.
He stated that this would go a long way to enhance industrialization in Nigeria.
Mr Sampson stressed the need for an official meeting between Presidents of both countries to further discuss areas of economic benefits.
On his part, the President, Nigerian Russian Business Council, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode said Nigeria is willing to do business with Russia to boost her economy.
Prince Kayode emphasized the need for Russia to assist Nigeria towards resuscitating the Ajaokita Steel Industry to fast track Nigeria industrialization.
He also called for mutual collaboration in the areas of defence, mining, agriculture and livestock value chain among others.
Prince Kayode equally called for the establishment of Nigerian Russian Export Free Zones to boost export of products among both countries and other nations of the world.
Also speaking, the Nigerian Ambassador to Russia, Abdullahi Shehu who led the Russian delegation to the Minister explained that 19 Russian Companies had already indicated interest to invest in various areas of Nigeria economy.
He expressed the hope that move would go a long way to enhance national economic development.
The Ambassador promised to continue to attract Russian investors to Nigeria to assist small and medium scale businesses in the country.
The Russian delegation is expected to meet with several key players in Nigeria’s business industry before departing the country.
Matthew Ayoola/Abuja
