Tinubu heads to S/Africa to co-chair Nigeria-S/Africa Bi-National Commission

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President Bola Tinubu will depart France on Monday for Cape Town, South Africa, where he will co-chair the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) alongside President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday titled ‘President Tinubu to co-chair 11th session of the bi-national commission with President Ramaphosa.’

According to Onanuga, “The presidential BNC, scheduled for Tuesday, December 3, will be preceded by a ministerial meeting on December 2, 2024, at the South African Parliament Building in Cape Town.

“President Tinubu and President Ramaphosa will engage in substantive talks on a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including bilateral, regional, and international matters.

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“Building on the commitments from their June 20, 2024, meeting in Johannesburg shortly after President Ramaphosa’s inauguration for a second term in office, the two leaders will review the progress achieved since the 10th session of the BNC held in Abuja from November 29 to December 1, 2021.”

The BNC will convene deliberations through eight working groups, addressing critical areas such as political consultations, consular and migration, banking and finance, defence and security, manufacturing, social sector, mines and energy, and trade and investments.

Both nations are expected to sign several Memoranda of Understanding and agreements at the high-level session to bolster cooperation.

Established in 1999, the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission fosters high-level dialogue and collaboration between the two countries. This year’s meeting is particularly significant, marking the Commission’s 25th anniversary.

The Presidency described the milestone as “a testament to the enduring friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa.”

President Tinubu will be accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes state governors, ministers, and senior government officials.

The trip will be Tinubu’s second visit to South Africa in 2024 and his 33rd foreign trip since assuming office 18 months ago. So far, he has spent 135 days abroad, visiting 17 countries and logging 285 flight hours.

Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria following the conclusion of the BNC session.