Pres. Buhari Pictured With Vladimir Putin in Russia – Photos

President Muhammadu Buhari met President Vladimir Putin of Russia at the Russia-Africa Economic forum in Sochi on Wednesday, October 23. The Nigerian president attended the forum alongside more than thirty African heads of state and governments such as the chairman of the African Union and president of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. In a photo shared by the presidency, President Buhari was seen exchanging a handshake with Putin alongside President Paul Kagame of Rwanda.

An African business forum, which will take together African and Russian business leaders, is likely to be held during the function to boost Russian investments in Africa, and promote African business curiosity about the host country.

Some officials who accompanied Buhari on the trip include Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe state, Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara state and Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti state among others. Here are some pictures from the summit:

In another report, the Russian Federation may help Nigeria complete her Steel industry as the Minister of mines and solid minerals development, Olamilekan Adegbite, had during the week, hinted that President Buhari would be visiting Russia next week to discuss the revival of the Ajaokuta Steel Company located in Kogi stte.

Nigerian ambassador to Russia, Steve Ugbah, told Russia’s RIA news agency within an interview that President Muhammadu Buhari is set to meet President Vladimir Putin on the side-lines of a Russia-Africa summit. We’re sure with Russian help we’ll have the ability to crush Boko Haram, given Russia’s experience combating Islamic State in Syria,” the Nigerian envoy was reported to possess said. Ugbah further disclosed that the offer with Russia will range from the purchase of military hardware like helicopters, planes, tanks and other military equipment. 

He expressed the hope that President Buhari will finalise the offer between Russia and Nigeria which he explained had been already drafted. Meanwhile, as President Muhammadu Buhari is from the country for Russia-Africa summit, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo presided the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday, October 23, at the Presidential Villa.

 Present at the meeting were the president’s chief of staff, Abba Kyari, the minister of works and housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, the newest minister of youth and sports, Sunday Akin Dare, the minister of state for transportation, Senator Gbemisola Ruqayyah Saraki, among others.