Russian and Nigerian Foreign Ministers Engage in Talks in Moscow

On Wednesday, the foreign ministers of Russia and Nigeria met in Moscow to discuss the future relations between the two nations. Sergey Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, emphasized that Moscow considers Nigeria a priority partner on the African continent. During the discussions, Lavrov conveyed Moscow’s commitment to nurturing the relationship with Nigeria.

Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar echoed Lavrov’s sentiments, expressing optimism about the continued growth of their partnership. “The relationship will continue to grow. We feel that we are in a right position to have a very strong strategic relationship with Russia,” Tuggar affirmed.

In addition to bilateral relations, the two ministers addressed broader regional concerns. Lavrov outlined Russia’s intention to assist countries in the Sahara-Sahel region, aiming to enhance their combat capabilities. This cross-border area, encompassing nations such as Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad, Niger, and Guinea, has been grappling with political instability for years. The region has also faced the rise of jihadist groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State over the past decade.

Lavrov emphasized Russia’s commitment to supporting these countries in bolstering the capabilities of their national armed forces, security forces, and law enforcement authorities. The objective is to effectively counter the persistent threats posed by extremist groups in the Sahara-Sahel region.

The timing of Russia’s diplomatic efforts with Nigeria aligns with increasing international scrutiny over its actions in Ukraine. Moscow’s diplomatic initiatives in regions like Africa are considered part of a broader strategy to extend global influence, particularly in the global south. In this context, Russia is set to host a meeting with African foreign ministers in Sochi later this year, further underlining its efforts to strengthen ties and expand its presence in diverse regions.