Russian Oil Firms Plan 10,000 Jobs In Nigeria

The Deputy Head of Mission, Russian Embassy,
Valeriy Shaposhmikov has said two major Russian oil
companies, Gazprom and Lukoil would be coming to
invest in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
The envoy stated that the proposed nuclear power
plant in the country would generate 10,000 jobs
and also create new industries.
Speaking to journalists during the Russian
Federation Day celebration on Thursday in Abuja,
the diplomat observed that there are various
opportunities for Russian firms in Nigeria, noting
that Gazprom could be involved in developing oil
and gas pipelines infrastructure and protection
system.
He said, “As you know, we have an agreement
signed on the construction of nuclear power plants
in Nigeria. The implementation of this project only,
in addition to a substantial increase in power
generation capacity, is able to bring a minimum of
10,000 jobs and create new industries in the
country.
“An important area could be oil and gas sector – a
major Russian oil and gas company Gazprom could
be involved in developing pipelines infrastructure
and protection system, an oil company Lukoil is
coming to work here. There is interest in the
development of the solid mineral resources.”
Shaposhmikov said his country looks forward to
getting support from the Federal Government to
solve the critical issues in Alascon Aluminium
Company, Akwa-Ibom State, which is owned by
Rusal, a Russian aluminum company.
He stated that Alscon needs non-stop supply of
gas as constant interruptions in gas delivery to
the company had led to great losses, putting into
question the existence of the commercial project.
“We do also worry about the safety of investment.
The property rights of Rusal over Alscon shares
should be confirmed. With all these problems
removed, Alscon will be able to restart producing
aluminum,” the envoy said.
While welcoming guests to the anniversary
celebration, the Russian Ambassador, Mr. Nikolay
Udovichenko, said he supported the recent changes
in Nigeria explaining that peaceful and democratic
transition of power was an important step
towards development.
He expressed willingness to work with Nigeria in
the security, economic and educational sectors
even as he applauded President Muhammadu Buhari
on his commitment to fight terrorism, adding that
the Russian Federation is ready to give the
necessary support.
“We do not only strongly wish the new Nigerian
government success in this field, but we are also
ready to give all necessary support in different
spheres, including security, economy and even
education,” Udovichenko promised.