BY VICTORIA OJEME

ABUJA—The Australian High Commissioner, Jonathan Richardson, has said his country remained one of Nigeria’s largest crude oil importer in the last three years, with trade volumes between both countries increasing to $2.5 billion.

The envoy made this disclosure during an official launch of Nigerian chapter of  Australian Awards African Women in Leadership Network in Abuja.

He said: “As at last year, the volume of trade was over $2.5 billion, mainly got from the import of Nigerian crude oil. Australia has actually become one of the largest importers of Nigerian crude oil in the last 2-3 years.

“Last year, the trade volume wasn’t so high and I believe we are Nigeria’s eight largest export destinations; amongst Europe, we are placed amongst the top of the table.”

He explained that African Women in Leadership Network would promote Australia awards to potential female applicants from eligible countries, including Nigeria.

“Gender equality is at the heart of Australia’s development efforts in Africa. We want more women to participate in and benefit from the Australia Awards scholarships and to return to champion development issues in their careers and professional opportunities and challenges.

“In terms of scholarships, we have about 50 Nigerians since the major programme; the Australia awards for Africa started in 2010, the total number is 130 in the fields of agriculture, mining, health, education, water and sanitation, environment and governance, about half of these scholarships have been awarded to women.”