Tinubu heads to South Africa for 11th Nigeria-South Africa BNC

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu is set to visit South Africa to co-chair the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) alongside President Cyril Ramaphosa. This trip follows his recent state visit to France.

In a statement issued on Sunday, December 1, by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, it was revealed that the President would depart France on Monday and travel to Cape Town, South Africa. The BNC meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 3, with a preparatory ministerial meeting set for December 2 at the South African Parliament.

The two leaders are expected to discuss various bilateral issues, including political consultations, consular and migration matters, banking and finance, defence and security, manufacturing, social sectors, mines and energy, as well as trade and investments between the two countries.

Onanuga stated, “President Tinubu and President Ramaphosa will engage in discussions on key bilateral, regional, and international matters of mutual interest. The meeting will build on the commitments made during their June 20, 2024, meeting in Johannesburg, following President Ramaphosa’s re-election. They will also assess the progress since the 10th session of the BNC held in Abuja from November 29 to December 1, 2021.”

The 11th BNC session will feature eight working groups, each focused on specific areas such as political consultations, migration, banking, security, and trade. During the high-level meeting, both countries will sign several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements.

The Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission, established in 1999, aims to strengthen the bonds of cooperation between the two nations. The first Heads of State level session was held in Pretoria in 2019.

This year’s meeting marks the 25th anniversary of the Commission, underscoring the enduring friendship and partnership between Nigeria and South Africa. President Tinubu will be accompanied by state governors, ministers, and senior government officials, returning to Nigeria after the BNC discussions.