Nigeria and Russia explore new frontiers of cooperation
Nigeria and Russia are poised to deepen their diplomatic and economic ties through the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance (WBA), a platform designed to foster international collaboration among women entrepreneurs across BRICS member nations and partner countries.
The renewed commitment to stronger bilateral relations was made public during a stakeholders’ interactive session held at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja, marking the official visit of the Russian Chapter of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance to Nigeria.
Foreign Affairs minister highlights shared interests
Speaking at the event, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, described the meeting as a timely opportunity for both nations to reassess and expand their long-standing relationship, especially in light of global economic shifts.
In a statement signed by Dr. Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the minister, Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that Nigeria and Russia have enjoyed decades of cooperation in sectors such as education, defence, energy, technology, and diplomacy.
However, she emphasized that current global realities demand a bold, forward-looking approach to partnerships, particularly those that empower women and youth in both economies.
The Renewed Hope Agenda and Nigeria’s foreign policy
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu pointed to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and its Renewed Hope Agenda, which is guided by the “4-Ds” foreign policy approach: Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora.
She explained that these core principles align with the mission of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance, particularly its focus on inclusive growth, gender empowerment, and global economic integration.
The minister also lauded First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for hosting the event, describing her as a symbol of the transformative potential of women in leadership and international cooperation.
BRICS Women’s Business Alliance brings new opportunities
Welcoming the Russian delegation led by Ms. Anna Nesterova, Chairperson of the Russian BRICS WBA, Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that the visit reflects Russia’s commitment to building inclusive and sustainable economic partnerships with Africa’s largest economy.
“The technical session before us offers an invaluable opportunity to explore strategic cooperation,” she said.
Key areas identified for collaboration include:
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Trade and investment
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Agriculture and food security
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Energy (traditional and renewable)
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Digital innovation and education
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Women-led entrepreneurship and leadership
The minister stressed that Nigeria’s vast youth population, natural resources, and expanding market—when combined with Russia’s industrial capacity and technological expertise—could result in “win-win” partnerships that benefit both countries.
Women entrepreneurs as central players
According to Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance is uniquely positioned to accelerate people-centered development through increased participation of women entrepreneurs and innovators.
She noted that Nigerian women in agro-processing, education, creative industries, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and technology-driven businesses stand to benefit immensely from such cross-border cooperation.
A road map for lasting impact
Closing her remarks, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu called for actionable outcomes from the meeting, such as:
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Establishing joint ventures
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Creating frameworks for economic cooperation
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Building long-term networks between Russian and Nigerian businesswomen
“Let me conclude by affirming Nigeria’s readiness to work closely with our Russian counterparts, and by extension the BRICS platform, to promote inclusive prosperity,” she said. “We are confident that the discussions here today will provide a road map for stronger bilateral relations, deeper people-to-people connections, and new opportunities that will uplift the lives of our citizens.”
