Nigeria, South Africa Seeks To Deepen Ties in Infrastructure, Mining, and Others

Nigeria South Africa Deepen Ties : Nigeria and South Africa recently resolved to strengthen their strategic partnership, particularly in infrastructure development and capacity building in the mining sector. 

Nigeria South Africa Deepen Ties 

The tie deepening requests were made by Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, during the closing remarks of the 11th Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) held in Cape Town, South Africa.

Note, South Africa officially assumed the presidency of the Group of 20, a club including the world’s wealthiest nations on December 1.

The expanded BRICS, which South Africa is also a member, boasts of being the engine of global economic growth in recent years, accounting for about 37 percent of the world’s GDP.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to regional peace, Ojukwu urged South Africa to lend its support in accelerating the peace process in Sudan.

She said President Bola Tinubu, a member of the ad-hoc mediation committee established by the African Union, has prioritised resolving the crisis to foster peace and stability in the region.

She said,  ‘’I must stress that Nigeria is prepared to explore new vistas of cooperation with the Republic of South Africa in various fields. Apart from exploring opportunities in the co-financing of infrastructure 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.”

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She further said, ‘’To this end, we have prepared a draft MOU for the consideration of South Africa.

‘’We hope that the derivable benefits from this arrangement would help to enhance the capacity of our mining professionals to become globally competitive.’’

The Prospective Tie To Strengthen Citizens’ Quality of Life

Dr. Roland Lamola, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, acknowledged Nigeria’s requests and committed to amplifying Africa’s voice during South Africa’s G20 presidency.

“We will count on Nigeria’s wise counsel as we assume this major responsibility,” Lamola stated.

Lamola also reiterated the mutual commitment of both nations to strengthen bilateral relations, highlighting their shared responsibility to improve the quality of life for their citizens.

“Our people expect South Africa and Nigeria, given our common roots, to work more closely together to improve their conditions and prospects,” he added.