Bilateral Meeting: President Buhari and President Vladmir Putin, on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa Forum in Sochi | 23rd Oct 2019 #PMBinRussia

Highlights of the  Bilateral that took place on 23rd October, 2019  in Sochi, Russia: 

Bilateral Meeting: President Buhari and President Vladmir Putin, on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa Forum in Sochi | 23rd Oct 2019 #PMBinRussia

Photo by: @BayoOmoboriowo

1. Agreement on a JV between Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Russia-based Lukoil, focused on  refinery revitalization.
2. Nigeria and Russia agreed to revive and solidify the venture between the NNPC and Russia’s Gazprom for gas Infrastructure development in Nigeria.
3. President Buhari request for the return of Russia, on a government-to-government basis, to complete and launch the abandoned Ajaokuta Steel Rolling Mill. Request was accepted by President Putin.
4. Russia agreed to construct a 1,400 kilometer Rail Line from Lagos to Calabar.
5. Discussions moved ahead on Russian plan to establish a nuclear power plant in Nigeria. President Putin said next step should be commencement of construction.
6. President Buhari agreed to renew Nigeria-Russia Military Technical Agreement, “within the shortest possible time.” Agreement will propel Nigeria’s efforts to purchase military hardware from Russia on government-to-government basis, and also underpin training.
7. President Putin agreed to support Nigeria with military equipment, Infrastructure and training.
8. President Buhari assured speedy resolution of entanglements surrounding  matter of Aluminum Smelter Company of Nigeria, ALSCON, Ikot-Abasi, Akwa-Ibom State.
9. Russia assured of additional scholarships to Nigerians. Also promised Russian support for Nigeria’s efforts to attain self-sufficiency in Wheat production and fertilizer production.
Russia is number one wheat producer in the world; also rich in Potassium.
10. Nigeria and Russia agreed to work to organize a Joint Commission meeting to review and ratify all agreements in Intergovernmental Nigeria-Russia Joint Commission on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation Protocol of November 11, 2016.
11. President Buhari asked President  Russia to support Nigeria’s aspiration for permanent membership of the UN Security Council.