The Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr Maikanti Baru has called for a deeper collaboration with India to revitalize the corporation’s 52 clinics across the country.
A statement by NNPC Spokesperson, Mr Ndu Ughamadu said Baru made the call on Thursday in Abuja, when he received the Indian High Commissioner, Mr Nagabushana Reddy.
He said that the call was part of NNPC’s efforts to kick-start its diversification into the health care business.
Baru said the corporation would reduce the trend of medical tourism from Nigeria to various countries.
The NNPC boss said the corporation was already discussing with some Indian health care providers to come into the Nigeria and help grow the capacities of its medical staff.
This, he said, was aimed at putting in place world class health care facilities in the country.
He 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.
According to him, there is a symbiotic commercial relationship between the Nigeria and India, which has led to the increase of daily crude oil supply to India to 30,000 barrels per day in 2017.
“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,” Baru said.
Responding, Reddy said India and Nigeria had high bilateral relations, adding that India was ready to further expand the collaboration in economic, trade, commerce and security.
He said that India was one of the highest importers of Nigeria’s crude oil.
He commended the NNPC for keeping to the terms of the contracts with three of its indigenous companies, adding that his visit was to further consolidate the gains of previous engagements.