Kehinde Fajobi
Nigeria is poised to deepen its strategic partnership with South Africa in key sectors, including infrastructure and mining, according to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
Speaking on Monday at the ministerial session of the 11th Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town, Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted Nigeria’s intent to enhance collaboration with South Africa, particularly in certifying Nigerian mining professionals.
“We are prepared to explore new vistas of cooperation with the Republic of South Africa in various fields,” she stated.
“Apart from exploring opportunities in the co-financing of infrastructural projects capable of benefiting our two economies, we are seeking collaboration with South Africa in capacity development in the area of certification of Nigerian mining geologists and other professionals in that field.
To this end, we have prepared a draft MOU for South Africa’s consideration.”
The session, co-chaired by Odumegwu-Ojukwu and South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Roland Lamola, precedes the presidential BNC where President Bola Tinubu and President Cyril Ramaphosa are set to lead discussions on Tuesday.
Key agenda items include trade and investment, defence and security cooperation, consular and migration issues, and collaboration in energy, banking, and manufacturing.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasised the importance of the BNC as a platform to strengthen ties between Africa’s leading economies.
“The BNC holds many promises for Nigeria-South Africa relations, and we have many more miles to go. Together, we shall win for our respective countries and for Africa.”
This year’s BNC marks 25 years of the framework designed to fortify bilateral relations.
Delegates from Nigeria included ministers from Defence, Women Affairs, Trade, Agriculture, and Digital Economy, alongside the Comptroller-Generals of Immigration and Customs.
Dr Lamola lauded the historic relationship between the two nations, rooted in Nigeria’s unwavering support during South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle.
“This is a gesture we will always cherish,” he said.
He urged both nations to enhance trade under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and to focus on bankable infrastructure projects.
“The relatively large size of our economies dictates that our collaboration should yield bigger results to galvanize economic cooperation,” Lamola noted.
The South African minister also highlighted the shared responsibility of both nations to champion peace and advocate for global institutional reforms.
Looking ahead to South Africa’s G20 presidency in 2025, he promised to prioritise Africa’s development agenda on the global stage.