Moscow, Russia – Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening military and economic ties with Nigeria, dismissing allegations of recruiting Nigerian citizens to fight in the conflict in Ukraine as unfounded. The assurances came during a briefing by Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Sergey Podyelyshev, and have been further underscored by ongoing discussions regarding nuclear energy cooperation and expanded military assistance.
Responding to questions from journalists, Ambassador Podyelyshev acknowledged the possibility of isolated, illegal recruitment attempts but firmly stated they were not sanctioned by the Russian state. “If some illegal people are trying to recruit Nigerians to fight in Ukraine, this is not connected with the Russian state,” he said, adding that any credible information regarding such activities would be immediately forwarded to Russian law enforcement for investigation.
Military cooperation and Nigeria’s strategic role in West Africa
The deepening relationship between Russia and Nigeria extends beyond security concerns to encompass significant military-technical cooperation. Discussions are underway regarding the training of Nigerian military personnel and the potential supply of Russian military equipment, building on a 2021 agreement for Russia to provide training and supplies to its Nigerian counterpart. According to Ambassador Podyelyshev, some initiatives are already in progress, while others remain under consideration, contingent upon Nigeria’s specific interests, and priorities.
Podyelyshev emphasized Nigeria’s strategic importance to Russia’s broader engagement in Africa, describing the country as central to Moscow’s outlook for West Africa. He stated that cooperation with Nigeria “largely shapes our prospects in West Africa” and positioned Nigeria as a potential cornerstone for regional stability and development.
This increased cooperation is expected to bolster Nigeria’s defense capabilities, enabling the country to more effectively address security challenges, including insurgency and organized crime. Improved military ties are seen as having implications for regional stability and security, given Nigeria’s key role in West Africa.
Beyond military collaboration, Nigeria and Russia are actively exploring a partnership in nuclear energy. Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar revealed ongoing negotiations for a nuclear partnership during an interview with Russian media outlet Sputnik on the sidelines of the 38th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa in mid-February. Minister Tuggar highlighted Nigeria’s interest in opportunities within atomic energy, mining, and revisiting investment projects initiated during the Soviet era.
The discussions also encompass broader economic, scientific, and educational cooperation, including plans to establish a Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology in Nigeria and to expand scholarship opportunities for Nigerian students at Russian universities. These initiatives build upon a pre-existing defense pact, with officials from both countries recently discussing its expansion. Russian Deputy Minister of Defense Yunus-bek Yevkurov and Chief of Defense Staff of the Nigerian Army Christopher Musa have engaged in conversations regarding the subject, as relayed by the Russian embassy.
Ambassador Podyelyshev reiterated Russia’s commitment to long-term strategic cooperation with Nigeria, encompassing security, trade, education, and diplomatic coordination on the international stage. He underscored Russia’s broader foreign policy stance, emphasizing support for a multipolar world order, respect for national sovereignty, and opposition to unilateral dominance in global affairs.
