…NNPC seeks deeper collaboration with India on medicare
OpeOluwani Akintayo
25 August 2017, Sweetcrude. Lagos – Nigeria’s crude oil exports to India has increased by 30,000 barrels per day this year.
According to Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, the increase in crude oil supply to the Asian country was as a result of symbiotic commercial relationship between the two countries.
Baru made the statement on Thursday in Abuja while receiving the Indian High Commissioner, His Excellency Nagabushana Reddy at the NNPC head-office..
The NNPC boss urged the high commissioner to encourage Indian oil and gas companies to participate in the marginal fields bid round planned by the Nigerian government, adding that their participation would further deepen the bilateral relations between Nigeria and India.
“We recognise that India is one of the highest off-takers of Nigeria’s crude oil and we are ready to ensure that this harmonious economic relationship is sustained going forward,” Dr. Baru averred.
Meanwhile, as part of efforts to jump-start its diversification into the health care business, the NNPC has requested a deeper collaboration with India in the area of expertise and state-of-the-art medical equipment to revitalise its 52 clinics across the country.
According to Baru, the cooperation would reduce the trend of medical tourism from Nigeria to various countries.
He said the corporation was already discussing with some Indian health care providers to come into the country and help grow the capacity of its medical staff with the aim of putting in place world class health care facilities in-country.
On his part, Mr. Reddy said India and Nigeria had very high bilateral relations and that India was ready to further expand the diverse collaboration in economic, trade, commerce and security.
He stated that India was one of the highest importers of Nigeria’s crude oil and applauded the NNPC for keeping to the terms of the contracts with three of its indigenous companies, stressing that the visit was to further consolidate the gains of previous engagements.
