Prof. Abdullahi Shehu, Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Russian Federation, have commended the attitude of Nigerians living in Russia, describing them as law abiding citizens and contributors to the nation’s economy.
Shehu made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Moscow on Monday, adding that the Nigerian community are living peacefully across the Federation.
“Though, there are some bad eggs in the basket, but majority of Nigerians in Moscow have stayed out of trouble and are working very hard, which in turn contribute to the economy and development of the country.
“The Nigerian community here have been leaving very peacefully and they have supported the Embassy and vice versa.
“Majority of our citizens are law abiding and most of them that are resident here are people who schooled here, hence know their culture and tradition, both Russians and Nigerians have married each other.
“They are living peacefully and have also contributed to the development and economy of both countries, and as well strengthening the bond of relations between the two countries.
“So, to that extent, I can tell you that we do not have much problems with Nigerians living in Russia.
“Of course, you will have some few bad eggs, but it has not been dramatic since I assumed duty here.
They have rather being commended for being law abiding.
“As a diplomat, I am here to look after our citizens.
So for now, I can say we are living peacefully,” Shehu said.
The Nigeria Ambassador said that the Embassy make constant engagements with Nigerian nationals in the country and support them where necessary.
“We are working also closely with Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Russia.
The essence of NIDO was to encourage professionals who have made it overseas to invest in Nigeria.
“We are strengthening that but of course, you know that the current situation has posed a lot of challenges with respect to logistics, value chains with respect to so many things.
“And therefore, whatever we intend doing has been slowed down as a result of the current political situation,” Shehu said.
The ambassador disclosed that it is interesting to note that Nigerians in Russia have great interest in what happens in Nigeria and always want to be part of it.
“You know that we are having elections next year and therefore they are interested in knowing what also happens in Nigeria.
“So, we are here to provide them with the necessary and accurate information regarding the democratic process, how it is moving very well in Nigeria including issues of humanitarian support to displaced persons as well as issues of human rights,” he said.
NAN reports that there are about 30,000 Nigerians officially registered by the Nigerian Embassy living in Russia.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
