President Muhammadu Buhari has departed Abuja on Monday to attend a three-day Russia-Africa Summit in Sochi, Russia. The summit is bid to start from October 23rd – 25th, with focus on exploring and expanding opportunities in security, trade and investment, science and technology, and gas production.
President Buhari was accompanied by Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State and Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State.
Others on the trip are Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, Minister of Trade and Investment, Adeniyi Adebayo, Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Olamilekan Adegbite and Minister of State, Petroleum, Timipre Sylva.
According to the statement released on Sunday 20th October 1019, by the Presidency, President Buhari during the summit in Sochi, will meet with President Vladimir Putin of Russia to further strengthen relations in security, trade & investment, and building partnership that will enhance Nigeria’s huge gas potential, following Russia’s remarkable success in gas exportation
The Sochi summit, which will be attended by African Heads of State, will bring fresh perspectives on some global issues and challenges like nuclear technology, energy development, digital transformation, environment, technical security, mining and steel, education, agriculture, infrastructure and development strategies.
An African Business Forum, which will bring together African and Russian business leaders, will be held during the event in Sochi to enhance Russian investments in Africa, and promote African business interest in the host country.
The President will return to the country after the summit.