Alexander D. Polyakov, visiting ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation, has expressed the desire of Russian investors to take active interest in Nigerian economy, especially in the energy and telecommunications sectors.
The Ambassador said in Abuja, when he paid a courtesy visit to t Mrs. Irene Chigbue director general of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE),
Said he, "Russia is very much interested to invest in Nigeria, especially in power and Telecommunications," disclosing that some Russian investors, may express interest in NITEL, the nation’s telecommunications giant when the transaction opens for investors to express interest.
He said the Russian Government whom he represents, acknowledges the crucial role the BPE has been playing in the reform and restructuring of Nigerian economy. He reiterated his willingness to promote mutually rewarding economic relations between the Russian Government and Nigeria. According to him, "my task is to draw a picture of how things are going in Nigeria," affirming that privatization is not always easy anywhere in the world.
The Ambassador promised that in spite of the current world economic meltdown, the Russian Aluminum (Rusal) would fulfill all their contractual obligations in ALSCON. He said the company has since commenced production.
While receiving the envoy in her office, the director general said that the BPE had been desirous to meet with him because of the relationship the BPE enjoys with Russia, noting that Russian privatization programme had come a long way with lessons to be learnt and experience drawn.
She spoke of the efforts Nigerian government had made to cultivate the Russian investors and that one of the results is the Rusal’s acquisition of ALSCON. While acknowledging that Rusal had done quite a lot in spite of the challenges, she was however not happy that the company has not fulfilled some of its obligations especially with regards to the dredging of Imo River. She noted that this is a matter of national interest, which the people will not take kindly to, especially in a democracy, and that government is always sensitive to the feelings of the people.
