31 August 2017, Sweetcrude, Lagos – As part of efforts to jump-start its diversification into the health care business, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, plans to revitalise its 52 clinics across the country.
In this regard, it has requested a deeper collaboration with India in the area of expertise and state-of-the-art medical equipment for the clinics.
Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, who disclosed this, said the cooperation with India would reduce the trend of medical tourism from Nigeria to various countries.
Baru made the disclosure while receiving the Indian High Commissioner, His Excellency Nagabushana Reddy, at the NNPC Towers in Abuja.
He said the corporation was already discussing with some Indian health care providers to come into the country and help grow the capacities of its medical staff with the aim of putting in place world class health care facilities in-country
The NNPC boss then urged the High Commissioner to encourage Indian oil and gas companies to participate in the forthcoming marginal fields bid round, 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.
On his part, Mr. Reddy, said India and Nigeria had very high bilateral relations adding 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.