Nigeria and Russia are set to strengthen their long-standing bilateral relations through the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance (WBA), with a renewed focus on economic cooperation, women’s empowerment, and inclusive growth.
This development was highlighted on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ interactive session hosted at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja, as the Russian Chapter of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance visited Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, described the meeting as timely and strategic, providing both nations with a platform to explore key investment and development opportunities.
“Though Nigeria and Russia share decades of friendship, cooperation, and solidarity, the moment demands that we go beyond history and look boldly into the future,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated.
BRICS Women’s Business Alliance: A New Frontier for Collaboration
The Minister praised the efforts of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for hosting the session and championing initiatives that advance the development of women and girls under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
She also commended Ms. Anna Nesterova, Chairperson of the Russian BRICS WBA Chapter, for choosing Nigeria as a destination for advancing inclusive economic partnerships.
“This session, in honour of the Russian Chapter of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance, is hosted under the First Lady’s distinguished guidance and reflects the central role women play in reshaping global business, diplomacy, and investment,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.
Unlocking Nigeria–Russia Economic Potential
Outlining areas of strategic cooperation, the Minister emphasized opportunities in:
- Trade and investment – leveraging Nigeria’s vast market and Russia’s industrial capacity
- Agriculture – to boost food security through modernisation
- Energy – including traditional and renewable sources
- Digital innovation and education – to empower Nigeria’s youth
- Women-led businesses – to ensure inclusivity and sustainability in all sectors
“Particular opportunities exist in agro-processing, education, creative industries, SMEs, and tech-driven businesses—sectors where women are already leading and innovating,” she noted.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu stressed that the session must produce actionable outcomes, such as joint ventures, financing opportunities, and long-term partnerships between Nigerian and Russian women entrepreneurs.
Nigeria Ready to Lead on BRICS Platform
The Minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to deepen engagement not only with Russia but also within the broader BRICS framework, focusing on the 4-Ds foreign policy strategy: Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora.
“We are confident that the discussions here today will provide a roadmap for stronger bilateral relations, deeper people-to-people connections, and new opportunities that will uplift the lives of our citizens,” she concluded.
