There is no government-sponsored effort to recruit Nigerians for the battle, according to Russian Ambassador to Nigeria Andrey Podyelyshev, who has denied rumors that Nigerians are being drafted to fight in Ukraine.
The clarification was given Tuesday at a press conference in Abuja, where the ambassador also described Russia and Nigeria’s current and future military and economic collaboration.
“If some illegal people are trying to recruit Nigerians to fight in Ukraine, this is not connected with the Russian state,” Ambassador Podyelyshev stated in response to queries from reporters. We are prepared to send information to Russian law enforcement for examination if anyone has it.
“Some projects have already started, some are under consideration,” he said, highlighting current agreements on military-technical cooperation, including talks on the potential delivery of Russian equipment and training of Nigerian military personnel. We are prepared to expand our collaboration to the extent that the Nigerian side desires.
The envoy emphasized that Nigeria is still one of Russia’s most important African partners, stating: “Our prospects in West Africa are greatly influenced by our cooperation with Nigeria.” Nigeria has the capacity to serve as a stabilizing and developing anchor for the region.
Regarding more general world issues, Ambassador Podyelyshev restated Russia’s resistance to unilateral dominance, respect for national sovereignty and cultural diversity, and vision of a multipolar world order.
According to him, Russia opposes outside interference in the domestic affairs of other nations and backs African solutions to African issues.
Plans for a Center for Nuclear Science and Technology in Nigeria and increased scholarship options for Nigerian students attending Russian universities were among the topics covered in the briefing on the two nations’ economic and educational links.
According to Ambassador Podyelyshev, Russia and Nigeria are dedicated to long-term strategic partnership that includes commerce, security, and common diplomatic objectives on the global scene.
