President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, has called on Russia to increase its participation in economic and business projects in Nigeria.
He made the call while stressing that the atmosphere in Nigeria was conducive for investors especially in the oil, gas, agriculture, mining and power sectors of the economy.
Saraki who spoke 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, said Russia “must necessarily play its role on the African continent.”
“Together we could consider new opportunities for mutually beneficial economic cooperation,” he added.
He also 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 was greater need for parliamentary cooperation and collaboration between the two parliaments in order to entrench better legislative practices, cross fertilise ideas and improve relations between both countries.
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Saraki said while Nigeria appreciated the assistance the Russian Government had rendered to Nigeria in the supply of military hardware to fight Boko Haram, more support was needed to fully restore security and normalcy in affected areas.
He said that the National Assembly was 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.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chairperson of the Federation Council, Ms. Valentina Matviyenko, said the Russian Parliament would 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 and said that Russia valued the existing good diplomatic relations between both countries.
