By Gabriel Atumeyi
365Daily – The candidate of the Zenith Labour Party in the forthcoming Anambra state gubernatorial election and the prospective Chairman of the soon to be inaugurated Russian-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce, Dr Obiora Okonkwo says that Nigeria and the Russian Federation have enjoyed five decades of warm and friendly relationship.
Okonkwo made this known on Monday in Abuja during a world press conference on the formal inauguration of the Nigerian Russia Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
According to him, the Russians have always desired productive relations with the African continent, especially its largest economy, which is Nigeria, and that it was the growing need in a rapidly changing world that necessitated the establishment of the chamber.
Okonkwo said, “The African summit that took place in Russia in 2019 was an innovative, aggressive and transformative move by the Russian government to open up a new era in the relationship with African countries, and in this summit, the Nigerian president was present with other African companies. It took place in Sochi, a wonderful holiday resort in Russia. And in 2017 for the first time in history, the president of Russia was here on a state visit, in the person of Dmitri Medvedev and during that visit a whole lot of bilateral trade agreements were signed.
“Nigeria and Russia have enjoyed five decades of good relations. After signing these deals, to bring it down to the micro – level and such is the role of the Chamber of Commerce. Because of the non-activity and non – existence of such body in Nigeria, there has not been a platform to facilitate such economic relationship, but due to the hard work of members of our trustees led by my humble self, a Russian trained graduate who has been a beneficiary of Russian generosity, it has made it possible for us to overcome all the hurdles and register according to the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Nigeria-Russia Chamber of Commerce.
Speaking further, Okonkwo said the NRCCI, will promote, organize and participate in seminars, conferences and trade missions between the two countries as well as liaise with other Chambers of Commerce bodies for the advancements of trade and commerce.
“As a chamber of Commerce and Industry, NRCCI shall provide and develop business services to members and to respond to enquiries; collect, analyze and disseminate information (including statistics and other economic and business information) on all subjects of interest to members; provide educational and industrial courses including higher educational and career advisory services to members and also, encourage, establish and support employment initiatives for the start-up of businesses and enterprises.
Speaking during the event, the deputy head of Mission, Russia Embassy, Amb Valery Shaposhnikov stated that the trade volume between Nigeria and Russia is still low, stressing the need for Nigerian products to meet international standards.
This is even as the envoy said the trade volume of both countries is $6.8 million.
He noted that his country is interested to buy agro products from Nigeria.
According to him, “We do supply fertiliser and machines to Nigeria and we are buying from Nigeria too, but the product needs to be good and also meet international standards for the volume to rise.
“We want Nigeria to produce more products, and we want them to be of high quality.”
The NRCCI will be formally inaugurated on Tuesday, September 28, at the Transcorp Hilton hotel.