THE 11TH SESSION OF THE SOUTH AFRICA – NIGERIA BI-NATIONAL COMMISSION

At the invitation of His Excellency, Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria paid a Working Visit to South Africa on 03 December 2024, to co-chair the 11th Session of the Bi-National Commission (BNC) between the two countries. The BNC was preceded by a meeting of Senior Officials on 28 and 29 November 2024 and the Ministers Meeting on 02 December 2024.

The Heads of State and Government recalled the existing deep fraternal relations between the two nations and once more acknowledged the strong support that Nigeria provided to the liberation movements in South Africa during South Africa’s struggle for freedom and democracy.

This 11th Session of the BNC also marks the 30th anniversary of formal establishment of diplomatic relations.

The two Heads of State and Government renewed their commitment to work closely to broaden and sustain the two nations’ bilateral relationship in a manner that enhances strategic cooperation and partnership for mutual benefit. In this regard, the Heads of State and Government directed the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies to deepen their cooperation in the context of the BNC.

The Heads of State and Government acknowledged the more than 34 Agreements covering various sectors which have been signed since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1994. The two Leaders underscored the need to urgently finalize the MoU on the Early Warning Mechanism. To this end, it was agreed that the MoU will be signed, no later than March 2025, during the visit of the South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation to Nigeria, for Political Consultations. The two leaders also welcomed the ongoing negotiations to conclude other new Agreements.

The Heads of State and Government welcomed the high levels of economic cooperation between the two countries. In this regard, they welcomed the significant investments of South African companies in Nigeria and encouraged corresponding Nigerian