Nigeria-Russia chamber of commerce berths, targets power, education

The Nigeria-Russia chamber of commerce says it has prioritised power, education and agriculture as some of the sectors it wants to focus on in the country.

Addressing a press conference after a meeting with Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo in Abuja on Monday, Obiora Okonkwo, president of Nigeria-Russia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NRCCI), said the chamber will deepen the bilateral relations and increase trade volume between the two countries.

Okonkwo said the chamber will organise trade fairs to promote businesses and technological advancement in agriculture and manufacturing.

“Our aim is to study, promote, protect and extend industrial and commercial relations between individuals, firms, companies, corporations, institutions and associations of Nigeria and Russia as well as provide Nigerian and Russian businesses with a forum for contacts, discussion of common interest, information, advice and collation of ideas for the improvement of economic and business interests,” the president said.

“As a chamber of Commerce and Industry, NRCCI shall provide and develop business services to members and to respond to enquiries; collect, analyse 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.

“NRCCI shall also act as marketing agents and provide recruitment services; provide resources for the protection of traders and manufacturers as well as organize seminars, symposia, conferences, trade fairs and exhibitions for the promotion of business and technological advancement in industry, agriculture and manufacturing.

“We are also reasonably aware that Russia and Nigeria have long-standing diplomatic relations which are anchored on strategic partnership between the two countries.”

On his part, Andrei Albeshchenko, ambassador-at-large of the Association of Economic Cooperation with African States, said Nigeria-Russia trade volume is about $600 million.

“The trade volume is around $600 million but the sky is the limit,” Albeshchenko said.

The NRCCI will be officially inaugurated on Tuesday.