Russia will help eradicate terrorism in Nigeria —Hires

Following the Russian Revolution, the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic became the largest and leading constituent of the Soviet Union. Russia’s extensive mineral and energy resources, the largest reserves in the world, have made it one of the largest producers of oil and natural gas globally. The country is one of the five recognized nuclear […]

Following the Russian Revolution, the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic became the largest and leading constituent of the Soviet Union. Russia’s extensive mineral and energy resources, the largest reserves in the world, have made it one of the largest producers of oil and natural gas globally. The country is one of the five recognized nuclear weapons states and possesses the largest stockpile of weapons of mass destruction. It is a permanent member of the UN Security Council.  Income from vast natural resources has helped it overcome the economic collapse of 1998. Spanning nine time zones, Russia is the largest country on earth and the ninth most populous with 143 million people as at 2012. The country’s new ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Udovichenk Hires, in this interview highlights the extent of existing ties with Nigeria and how Russia is waxing its massive international influence to assist Nigeria combat menacing terrorism. Excerpt; 

What is the state of Russia-Nigeria bilateral relations at the moment?
Russia has had absolutely friendly relations with Nigeria since the day of establishment of diplomatic relations on November 25, 1960, and I perceive the development of our bilateral ties as positive. The first ever state visit of the Russian president to Abuja held in June of 2009 became a milestone in the modern history of our political relations. The leaders of both countries aspire to enhance further collaboration and to expand its current capacity. Economic cooperation is improving quite dynamically. We also benefit from traditionally strong humanitarian ties, especially in the area of higher education. Foreign policy is a field of joint action too. We have enjoyed a prolific partnership at the United Nations and other international bodies, where we regularly share same approaches to many issues.
What about trade, what is the trade volume between both countries?
We started our cooperation back in the 1960s helping Nigeria with geological surveys, industrial infrastructure, healthcare system, and training human resources. Today, as you may know, Russia seeks to reinforce its economic presence in Africa, and Nigeria is no doubt a significant destination for our foreign economic efforts. In particular, one of the biggest Russian corporations – UC RUSAL – contributes to the development of the Nigerian aluminium industry by investing in its subsidiary – ALSCON aluminium smelter plant in Akwa Ibom. It is also worthy of note that UC RUSAL shows substantial social support to the local indigenous communities. Another big Russian company, RusHydro, one of the world’s top producers of renewable energy, plans to get involved in the renovation of hydroelectric power plants in Kainji and Jebba. Russia’s gas super-major, Gazprom, formed a joint venture with NNPC and aims for new business opportunities in the region as well. The volume of trade between the two countries is gradually increasing, yet still does not come up to our expectations. I am absolutely sure that the level of our trade and business relations does not correspond to the economic potential of both countries as well as to our eagerness to cooperate.
What is Russia doing to help Nigeria tackle the security challenges facing the country now?
Unfortunately, the problem of terrorism is not new to Russia. That is why we understand perfectly well those security challenges and threats Nigeria is currently facing. Being a part of the international community, Russia recognizes the importance of coordinated efforts to combat terrorism and to help the countries afflicted by extremism and ethno-religious violence. All these issues are on the priority list of Russia’s upcoming G8 presidency in 2014. We see that Nigeria puts serious resources into campaign against the radical insurgency, and we expect that economic and educational cooperation with Russia will contribute to the eradication of the social roots of terrorism in this country.
Are there Nigerians in Russian prisons? If there are is there any arrangement between both countries to transfer them to Nigeria to serve their jail terms here?
A series of important bilateral treaties including the agreement on transfer of persons sentenced to imprisonment was signed in 2009 during the visit of the Russian president to Nigeria. At the present moment we and our Nigerian partners are conducting ratification procedures necessary for the full commencement of this agreement. It will enable us to tackle the issue you have mentioned in a mutually beneficial way. Anyway, it seems that Russia is seriously lagging behind some European and Southeast Asian countries by the number of Nigerian nationals serving prison terms.
What do you think Nigerians can export to Russia?
In general, mineral fertilizers, steel industry products, petrochemicals as well as paper goods traditionally prevail in the stock list of our export to Nigeria. Russia, in its turn, buys cacao products, natural rubber, oily seeds and plants used in perfumery and pharmacy. In a couple of months we are expecting a sizable group of Russian businessmen to visit Nigeria. I believe that such direct business contacts will help us to expand and diversify the range of supplies in the future.
As a new ambassador in Nigeria, what do you hope to achieve during your tenure to further strengthen relations between the two countries?
Well, I want to believe that my duties will not be limited just to maintaining the current level of bilateral cooperation, but rather be focused on further development of Russian-Nigerian ties at large, including the expansion of political dialogue and economic interaction at all levels, new investment projects, educational and cultural exchanges. In my view, these goals are achievable and realistic. My recent contacts with Nigerian policymakers, business people, and academia only have proven it right.