By Waziri Isa Adam
In a ceremony marking renewed bilateral engagement, Russian Ambassador-designate Andrey Podyolyshev formally presented his credentials to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The meeting, confirmed in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, underscored both nations’ intent to deepen collaboration across strategic sectors.
President Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s decades-long technical collaboration with Russia and outlined ambitions to broaden ties in steel manufacturing, scientific research, educational exchanges, and nuclear energy development to enhance the nation’s power infrastructure.
“Our partnership is bearing fruit, but we need additional technological support in the face of a rapidly growing population,” Tinubu asserted, stressing the urgency of addressing Nigeria’s developmental challenges.
Ambassador Podyolyshev pledged Moscow’s commitment to strengthening cooperation, particularly in energy and education, citing existing nuclear energy pacts as a foundation for future projects. “Russia remains dedicated to advancing mutual goals through shared expertise,” he stated.
Podyolyshev, appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Nigeria in December 2024, succeeds Alexey Shebarshin.
In a recent interview with African Initiative, he emphasized Russia’s focus on infrastructure development, industrial projects, and fostering cultural ties through increased interest in Russian language education.
The diplomatic exchange signals a concerted push to revitalize bilateral frameworks amid Nigeria’s quest for technological advancement and energy security.