Cape Town: President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Nigerian counterpart, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have celebrated the deep fraternal relations between South Africa and Nigeria during the 11th session of the South Africa-Nigeria Bi-National Commission (BNC). This meeting, which also marked the 30th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries, reinforced the historical ties and mutual support that have characterized their relationship.
According to South African Government News Agency, the joint communique issued by both leaders emphasized the significant support Nigeria provided during South Africa’s struggle for freedom and democracy. President Tinubu was in South Africa to co-chair the BNC session, which followed preliminary meetings involving senior officials and ministers from both countries. The leaders renewed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing strategic cooperation for mutual benefit. They directed various ministries, departments, and agencies to deepen the
ir collaboration under the BNC framework.
The commission acknowledged over 34 agreements signed since 1994 and stressed the urgency of finalizing the Memorandum of Understanding on the Early Warning Mechanism by March 2025. They also welcomed ongoing negotiations for new agreements. Additionally, the leaders praised the robust economic cooperation and encouraged reciprocal investments to foster an enabling business environment.
Both countries agreed to collaborate on addressing mutual challenges, such as food and nutrition security, digital connectivity, and data protection. The South Africa-Nigeria business roundtable held on the BNC’s sidelines provided a platform for further engagement with business leaders. Discussions also covered regional, continental, and global issues, including peace efforts in West Africa and Southern Africa, and the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
On international matters, the leaders called for a ceasefire in Gaza and advocated for a two-State solution to resolve the Israeli-Pale
stinian conflict. They also reiterated support for Western Sahara’s self-determination and called for United Nations Security Council reforms. South Africa congratulated Nigeria on the re-appointment of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the Director General of the World Trade Organisation, while Nigeria lauded South Africa’s G20 Presidency.
Both nations committed to advancing the African Agenda and implementing Agenda 2063, Africa’s development blueprint for inclusive socio-economic growth. President Tinubu expressed gratitude to President Ramaphosa for the warm hospitality during his visit, marking another milestone in the enduring partnership between South Africa and Nigeria.