- Lagos, Russia Move to Revive Decades-Old Bilateral Ties – Sanwo-Olu
- … To Explore New Opportunities In Energy, Technology
- The Ambassador listed Artificial Intelligence, education, infrastructure, power solutions, and broader economic development as key areas
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations between Nigeria and the Russian Federation, highlighting Lagos’ critical role in the nation’s economic, cultural, and developmental landscape.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the Governor, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, made this known during a courtesy visit by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Nigeria, H.E. Andrey L. Podelyshev, at the Deputy Governor’s official residence in Ikoyi, Lagos.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Africa Begins Rollout Of Breakthrough HIV Prevention Injection
- Lagos Sets December 27 For Eyo Festival
- Sanwo-Olu Urges Responsible Credit Practices to Drive Business Growth, Economic Development
Sanwo-Olu noted that Nigeria and Russia share a long-standing diplomatic and development partnership spanning several decades, recalling landmark projects such as the Ajaokuta Steel Mill and the Oshogbo Steel Mill, both built by Russian expertise.
He explained that although bilateral momentum had slowed in recent years, both nations’ foreign affairs ministries are actively working to revive and strengthen these ties.
He emphasized that Lagos Nigeria’s economic nerve centre and former federal capital remains a strategic gateway for international cooperation, contributing nearly 30 per cent of the nation’s GDP. According to him, this makes the state a critical partner for global collaborations, including those proposed by the Russian Government.
The Governor expressed Lagos’ interest in the technological and energy solutions showcased by the Russian delegation, particularly digital innovations, solar technologies, and the floating nuclear power plant model with a capacity of between 100 and 200 megawatts and a lifespan of about 60 years.
He noted that such a solution could be uniquely beneficial for Lagos, where limited land space and vast waterways make innovative energy models essential.
Sanwo-Olu further revealed that the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Cooperative, Trade, and Industry is already engaging with Russian officials, including ongoing discussions tied to the Lekki Free Trade Zone.
He added that the state remains open to productive negotiations that can lead to mutually beneficial development.
Earlier, Ambassador Podelyshev expressed Russia’s readiness to strengthen economic relations with Lagos, stressing the importance of deeper cooperation for sustainable growth.
He explained that Moscow Russia’s capital is not only a political headquarters but also a major financial and industrial hub, facing urban challenges similar to those in Lagos.
He said these shared realities make it reasonable for both sides to explore direct partnerships along the Lagos-Moscow or Lagos–St. Petersburg lines, including the possibility of sister-city or partner-city arrangements.
The Ambassador listed Artificial Intelligence, education, infrastructure, power solutions, and broader economic development as key areas where Russia and Lagos can build stronger cooperation. According to him, such partnerships will boost development in multiple sectors and strengthen long-term ties between both regions.
FURTHER READING
- Lagos Receives UNICEF-Donated Healthcare Waste Incinerator to Strengthen Primary Health
- Police Order Nationwide Arrest of Officers Escorting VIPs
- Taraba Gov Meets Tinubu In Aso Rock
Click here to watch video of the week
