President Muhammadu Buhari has indicated that Nigeria is ready to fill the natural gas gaps in Europe predicated by the current Russian-Ukrainian cr#sis.
.
.
He made the announcement on Thursday, June 30, in Lisbon, Portugal, where he is on a State Visit, Garba Shehu, presidential spokesperson said in a statement.
.
.
According to the statement, Buhari said with over 200 million mainly young people, Nigeria is ready to be the hub of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA).
.
.
He urged Portugal to consider Nigeria as a valued and trusted partner in Africa at a time the world was going through turbulent times.
.
.
President Buhari identified five key areas of cooperation and collaboration capable of moving both countries forward, including oil and gas, tourism and hospitality industry, air travel, security and joint commission.
.
.
On oil and gas, President Buhari said with the current Russian-Ukraine w@r, increased cooperation in oil and gas between the two countries has become vital to avoid cr#sis in the demand and supply chain, even as Nigeria is already a major supplier of gas to Portugal.
.
.
On tourism, the President noted that Nigeria had huge potential in the sector and would like to benefit from Portugal’s expertise.
.
.
On air travel, he emphasized the need to sign a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) and establish a direct air link between the two countries.
