By Security, Education, Rail Transport, Oil and Gas Tops Discussion Between Buhari And Putin
A media aide to President Muhammadu Buhari, Tolu Ogunlesi has disclosed that security rail transport, oil and gas were top of the 2nd end discussion between his principal and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
It will be recalled that President Buhari departed Abuja few days ago for the Russia-Africa Summit in Russia. He was joined by other African Presidents.
Ogunlesi revealed that top of the discussion during the meeting was security cooperation between the two countries. See below for the thread of tweets used to reveal the details of Buhari in Russia.
“President @MBuhari’s meeting with President Vladimir Putin today touched on: Solid Minerals (Ajaokuta Steel Mill & ALSCON), Oil and Gas (JVs between NNPC & Lukoil; and between NNPC & Gazprom), Rail Transport, Security Cooperation, Agriculture, Education.
Highlights of the Bilateral that took place today in Sochi, Russia:
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 @MBuhari 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 @MBuhari asked President Russia to support Nigeria’s aspiration for permanent membership of the UN Security Council.
