?The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Nigerian Delegation, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, has called for a shift in Africa-Russia relations toward economic delivery and measurable outcomes during his address at the Third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow.

Delivering Nigeria's National Statement at the Grand Kremlin Palace, Ambassador Enikanolaiye emphasized the need to dismantle trade barriers through direct banking channels, local currency settlement mechanisms, and enhanced financial infrastructure to boost cross-border commerce.

Highlighted priority areas included infrastructure connectivity aligned with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), joint digital economy development, technology transfer, and resilient agricultural systems to bolster continent-wide food security.

The Minister also urged Russian investors to leverage opportunities in Nigeria's energy, mining, manufacturing, and digital sectors as Africa's largest market.

Addressing global order and security, Ambassador Enikanolaiye reiterated Nigeria's commitment to strategic autonomy, peaceful dispute resolution, UN Security Council reform, and African-led solutions for regional stability, while opposing unilateral trade sanctions.

Supporting the adoption of a structured Africa-Russia Action Plan for 2027–2029, Nigeria reaffirmed its historic ties with Russia, a stance echoed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who cited Africa as a natural ally in shaping a multipolar world order, and AU Chairman President Evariste Ndayishimiye, who stressed Africa's drive toward economic self-reliance and sovereignty.