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How Russia-Africa Trade Increased To $18bn After 1st Summit -Putin
Russian President, Vladimir Putin, has said that Russia-Africa trade reached 18 billion dollars in 2022, which was necessitated by the first Russia–Africa Summit held in Sochi, Russia in 2019.
Putin said this yesterday at the ongoing Russian-African summit and Economic and Humanitarian Forum in St. Petersburg, Russia.
He said that Russia’s government, business and the public were sincerely interested in further deepening multifaceted trade, investment and humanitarian ties with Africa.
The Russian president said this would meet the needs of all countries and promote stable growth and prosperity.
“I have no doubt that by working together, we will be able to increase our trade substantially in the near future.
“Incidentally, in the first six months of 2023 alone, our export-import transactions with African countries increased by over one third.
“The structure of our trade looks good as well: machinery, equipment, chemicals and food account for over 50 per cent of Russia’s exports to Africa.
“We are aware of the importance of uninterrupted supply of food products to African countries. This is vital for their socioeconomic development and for maintaining political stability.
“This is why we will continue to give special attention to supplying wheat, barley, corn and other grain crops to our African friends, as part of humanitarian aid provided under the UN World Food Programme,” he said.
Putin said Russia’s trade with African countries in agricultural products increased by 10 per cent amounting to 6.7 billion dollars, and had already demonstrated record growth between January and June 2023 by 60 per cent.
He said Russia exported 11.5 million tonnes of grain to Africa in 2022 and almost 10 million tonnes in the first six months of 2023.
He explained that these had been taking place in spite of the “illegal sanctions” imposed on its exports, which constituted a serious impediment for exporting Russian food, complicating transport, logistics, insurance and bank transactions.
“We are witnessing a paradox. On one hand, the West seeks to block our grain and fertiliser exports while accusing us of the current crisis on the global food market.
“This is outright hypocrisy. We saw this approach in all clarity with the so-called grain deal brokered with the participation of the UN Secretariat.
“It was initially designed to promote global food security, mitigate the threat of hunger and help the poorest countries, including in Africa,” he said.
However, he said that in almost a year since the so-called deal was concluded, a total of 32.8 million tonnes had been exported from Ukraine.
The Russian president said over 70 per cent ended up in high-income and above-average income countries, including the European Union.
“I would like to draw your attention to the fact that countries like Ethiopia, Sudan, Somalia and several others received less than three per cent of this total, or under one million tonnes.”
He further said that among other things, the reason Russia agreed to take part in the “so-called” deal was because it contained commitments to lift the illegitimate obstacles for supplying grain and fertilisers to the global market.
Putin, however, noted that none of all what was agreed upon or promised, materialised.
“None of the conditions relating to lifting the sanctions against the exports of Russian grain and fertilisers to the global markets had been fulfilled.”
He said the country faced obstacles when trying to deliver mineral and fertilisers to the poorest countries that needed them for free, as its government discussed during the meeting with the leadership of the African Union.
“We managed to send only two shipments – just 20,000 tonnes to Malawi and 34,000 tonnes to Kenya, with 262,000 tonnes of these fertilisers blocked in European ports.
“All the rest remained in the hands of the Europeans, even though this initiative was purely humanitarian in nature, which means that it should not have been exposed to any sanctions, as a matter of principle.
“Ok, some may not want Russia to enrich itself, as they say, and use its revenue for military aims; fine.
“But these were free shipments! But no, they would not let them through, in spite of all this empty talk about their desire to help the poorest countries,” he said.
He assured that Russia could fill in the gap left by the withdrawal of the Ukrainian grain from the global market, either by selling its grain or by transferring it for free to the neediest countries in Africa.
Putin also announced that in the next four months, his government would supply at no cost 25,000–50,000 tonnes of grain each to Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, the Central African Republic as well as Eritrea.
“Ukraine produced about 55 million tonnes of grain in the past agricultural year, as exports amounted to 47 million tonnes, including 17 million tonnes of wheat.
“While Russia harvested 156 million tonnes of grain last year, it exported 60 million tonnes of which 48 million tonnes was wheat.
“Russia’s share of the world wheat market is 20 percent, while that of Ukraine is less than five per cent. This means that Russia is a significant contributor to global food security and a solid, responsible international supplier of agricultural products.
“On this note, hose who claimed that this was not the case, that it was only to secure the so-called grain deal to export Ukrainian grain, were simply twisting the facts and telling untruths.
“We are seeking to actively participate in the formation of a more equitable system for the distribution of resources and we are doing our best to prevent a global food crisis,” Putin assured.
He further assured that Russia would continue to support states and regions in need, as well as those that need humanitarian supplies.
The Tide source reports that the summit which started on July 27 and will end on July 28 has its theme as “Technology and Security in the Name of Sovereign Development for the Benefit of Humankind”.
The Tide source is one of the media partners of the Russia-Africa Summit 2023 and its Managing Director, Mr Buki Ponle, is also attending the event.
A first class traditional ruler in Rivers State, His Royal Majesty, King Aaron Ikuru, has described Nigeria at 65 as a grandfather who cannot provide leadership to other African Countries.
The monarch stated this in an interview at his palace in Ikuru Town, yesterday.
According to him, Nigeria would have been a developed country to set the pace in the whole of Africa, considering its numerous resources.
“Nigeria is a grandfather but not behaving as a grandfather. Our country, Nigeria, before and from the era of Independence was in the state of becoming a great country, but unfortunately is not becoming anything.
“We should be far ahead with what we have in the country. God blessed us, we have almost what it takes in terms of mineral resources, manpower amongst others that can drive speedy development in the country.
“If we’re able to harness all the things we have, even America by now would have respected us”, he said.
While blaming the past leaders of the country, the monarch called on the current leadership of the country to redouble efforts in order to narrow the differences in terms of development, exchange rate between naira and foreign currencies.
King Ikuru, who is also the Chairman of Andoni Area Traditional Rulers Council, however, lauded the efforts of the founding fathers, past leaders of the country for the achievements so far.
He also expressed optimism that Nigeria would be great, calling on the opinion leaders to shun tribalism and political intolerance in the country.
“If Nigeria should experience rapid development in all sectors, it means we must shun tribalism and political intolerance, the interest of our country must be our priority.
“We need to fight corruption vigorously, and leaders must show good example of discipline and integrity”, he said.
The monarch used the opportunity to wish Nigeria happy independence anniversary.
By: Enoch Epelle
The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate has announced the start of implementation of the new pension increments for pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme, saying the adjustments will be reflected in the September 2025 payroll cycle.
In a statement signed by Management and posted on its X handle, PTAD said the increase package includes a fixed N32,000 payment alongside percentage increases of 10.66% and 12.95% for eligible categories, which will benefit about 832,000 pensioners under its management.
Recall that PTAD in August announced President Bola Tinubu approved a series of measures, including new welfare benefits for pensioners under DBS.
The approval follows a formal request by PTAD’s Executive Secretary, Tolulope Odunaiya, seeking an emergency budgetary allocation to implement pension reforms and welfare benefits for the scheme’s retirees.
The measures include a N32,000 pension increment, percentage increases for pensioners of defunct and privatised agencies, pension harmonisation for all DBS pensioners, enrolment into the National Health Insurance Scheme, and the settlement of long-standing unfunded pension liabilities.
In a statement yesterday, PTAD said the partial release of N820.188 billion by the Federal Ministry of Finance from the emergency funding has made it possible for pensioners to begin receiving the enhanced payments immediately.
The statement read, “Further to the President’s approval of the emergency budgetary allocation for the payment of the new pension increment rates for Pensioners under the Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (DBS) that was earlier published by the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate on Friday, 8th August, 2025, the Directorate is delighted to announce the commencement of the implementation of the 832,000, 10.66% and 12.95% pension increment for eligible pensioners under the management of PTAD, in the September 2025 pension payroll cycle.
“This achievement has been made possible through the partial release of 820.188 billion by the Federal Ministry of Finance, from the initial 845 billion emergency funding approval granted by the Federal Government.
“This milestone clearly reaffirms the Federal Government’s dedication to safeguarding the welfare and entitlements of DBS Pensioners in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The directorate thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the emergency allocation.
It also acknowledged the role of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun; the Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite; the Accountant-General of the Federation and key presidential aides and parliamentary committees for their “timely interventions” and support.
The statement also expressed appreciation to organised pension groups, including the Nigeria Union of Pensioners and the Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria, for their cooperation during negotiations and implementation planning.
“We further assure all our DBS Pensioners and Stakeholders that the Directorate will continue to collaborate with the relevant authorities towards release of the outstanding approved funds and subsequent fulfilment of all future obligations relating to the pension increments and the landmark reforms,” the statement added.
The DBS covers pensioners who retired before the introduction of the Contributory Pension Scheme in 2004, including those from defunct public institutions, privatised agencies, and treasury-funded parastatals.
Over the years, many have faced irregular payments, delayed harmonisation, and inadequate healthcare access, challenges that the new reforms are expected to address.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged Nigeria. citizens to remain united, peaceful to enhance development of the nation as it celebrates 65th independence anniversary.
Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, Director of NOA in Akwa Ibom, gave the charge in Uyo yesterday while addressing newsmen and stakeholders to mark the anniversary.
Mkpoutom said it was essential to recognise that the strength of Nigeria lay in its diversity
“With over 250 ethnic groups and an array of languages, the nation embodies a unique blend of heritage.
“This diversity should be seen not as a dividing line but as a unifying force that propels the country toward progress.
“As Akwa Ibom embarks on another year, it is crucial for all citizens to foster a sense of unity and shared purpose.
“Embrace dialogue, understanding and collaborate with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu in its efforts to addressing pressing challenges like poverty, security, education, and healthcare, thereby paving way for a brighter future for all.”
The state director, however, appealed to Nigerians from all walks of life to renew their commitment to a more prosperous, peaceful, and equitable nation.
“Let this anniversary serve as a reminder of the collective strength that lies in every citizen,” he said.
He urged everyone to contribute positively to the development of a better society.
Mkpoutom urged the people and all citizens to honour the labours of heroes past, as they celebrated the present, while working diligently toward a future filled with hope and opportunities for generations to come.
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