Russia Govt. sets to strengthen bilateral cooperation with Nigeria
NAN-F-15
Agriculture
By Maureen Okon
Abuja, Dec. 15, 2016 (NAN) Mr Nikolay Udovichenko, the Russian Ambassador to Nigeria has said that his government is determined to strengthen bilateral cooperation with Nigeria in key sectors of the economy.
Udovichenko told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview in Abuja that his government would bring finished agricultural inputs including machinery to promote the Agricultural sector in Nigeria.
He said Nigeria is rich in agriculture and also in minerals resources that could drive the economy.
According to him, the manufacturing of agricultural machines is increasing in Russia and the exports is higher than the arms production.
“Our government is delighted and ready to invest in Nigerian agricultural products, especially, mangoes, pineapples, banana, pawpaw and cocoa beans. We are ready to export machines and tools to promote the Agriculture sector that will boost the economy.
“We will also strengthen our bilateral trade and investment cooperation, including increasing supplies of agricultural machines to Nigeria and ECOWAS region,’’ he said.
He explained that agricultural products like shrimps, crayfish available in large quantity in Nigeria are in high demand in Russia.
The envoy said his government would not only concentrate on agriculture sector, but would also show interest in science and technology.
He said the 4th session of the Intergovernmental Russian-Nigerian Joint Commission on economic, scientific and technical cooperation, recently held in Abuja,discussed areas of bilateral cooperation, including agriculture, industry, power sector, military-technical cooperation, mining and solid minerals.
According to him, the company that built the Ajaokuta Steel Company for the Nigerian government is ready to come to assist in reviving the steel company, assuring that the renovation of the company will guarantee job creation.
NAN reports that Russia enjoys bilateral relations with Nigeria in many spheres including exchange programmes that has promoted better understanding in many areas. (NAN)
TIM/JIE
(Edited by Julius Enehikhuere)