
Speaking to Sputnik Africa on the sidelines of a recent roundtable in Moscow focused on BRICS geological cooperation, Prof. Paul Omaji, Rector of the Admiralty University of Nigeria, highlighted the importance of Russia’s recent agreement with a number of African countries, including Nigeria, to assist in mineral resource development.
“We are glad that Russia is taking an active interest in African countries, like the signing of the agreement over lithium with Nigeria,” he said. “I believe that this particular agreement with Nigeria to handle lithium is about making sure that we cultivate the elements, the minerals that support green energy.”
The academician, who is also the head of the “Subsoil of Africa” consortium of universities, believes the proposed BRICS geological platform will offer African countries a collective voice to advocate for the implementation of the UN Convention on Permanent Sovereignty over Natural Resources, established in the 1960s.
“I believe that BRICS coming up as a collective group to prosecute some kind of commercial beneficiation for their members is a good initiative for African countries to also explore,” he stated.
Prof. Omaji emphasized that the growing interest in BRICS membership from African nations, including Nigeria, stems from a desire to pursue options that advance national interests and contribute to sustainable development.
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