In a congratulatory letter, the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the President said Putin’s “success for the fourth time in the election is a clear testimony of the confidence” Russians have in his leadership.

In a statement signed by the special adviser, media and publicity, Femi Adesina, the president also urged his Russian counterpart to see this victory as a base to continue to promote international peace and stability.

President Buhari assured President Putin of “Nigeria’s commitment to a stronger and mutually beneficial relationship with the Russian Federation under his watch.”

He said he looked forward to continuing working with the Russian leader to strengthen Nigeria's defence, trade and technical partnerships as well as the promotion of private sector participation in all sectors of the country’s economies.

Report by Nnabuchi