The President Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian government on Monday pleaded with South Africa for support for its ambitions to secure full membership in the G20, BRICS, and the BRICS New Development Bank.
Also, Nigeria requested South Africa’s support for leadership roles in thematic discussions under South Africa’s G20 presidency.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, made the plea during her closing remarks at the ministerial session of the 11th Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town.
South Africa assumed the presidency of the G20, an influential group of the world’s major economies, on December 1.
Highlighting the significance of BRICS, which accounts for 37% of global GDP, Ojukwu urged South Africa to help expedite the peace process in Sudan.
She emphasised that President Bola Tinubu, a member of the African Union’s mediation committee, is committed to resolving the crisis to foster regional stability.
“We are strongly committed to resolving the Sudan crisis. In this regard, we seek South Africa’s support to accelerate the peace process and promote stability within the region. With peace, greater progress and development can be achieved across all sectors,” she said.
She also praised officials from both nations for their efforts in drafting a communiqué and incorporating amendments raised during the session.
The finalised communiqué will be presented to Presidents Tinubu and Cyril Ramaphosa during Tuesday’s presidential BNC session in Cape Town.
South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Roland Lamola, responded affirmatively, noting Nigeria’s requests and emphasising the shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
He pledged that South Africa’s G20 presidency would amplify Africa’s voice, saying, “We will count on Nigeria’s wise counsel as we take on this major responsibility.”
He also outlined key areas of collaboration, including trade, investment, tourism, health, education, agriculture, ICT, arts and culture, climate change, defense, and security.
Lamola stressed the need to expedite agreements under the BNC framework and emphasized the importance of deepening ties between Africa’s two largest economies.
Ojukwu highlighted Nigeria’s interest in expanding strategic cooperation with South Africa, particularly in infrastructure and mining.
During the meeting, Nigeria presented a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate the certification of Nigerian mining geologists and professionals.
“We aim to explore new avenues of cooperation, including co-financing infrastructure projects and enhancing the global competitiveness of Nigerian mining professionals through this MOU,” she said.
The ministerial session also finalized minutes and a draft communiqué on thematic areas such as trade, political consultations, migration, defence, and energy.
The 25th anniversary of the BNC underscores the longstanding ties between Nigeria and South Africa, which share a history of collaboration.
Lamola acknowledged Nigeria’s support for South Africa during its anti-apartheid struggle, a gesture he described as deeply cherished.
Looking forward, Lamola called for increased trade and investment under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), urging the identification of bankable projects in infrastructure.
“While progress has been made, we must work harder to unlock the full potential of our economic collaboration, particularly in infrastructure development,” he said.
He also addressed the importance of reforming global institutions like the United Nations and prioritizing African development during South Africa’s G20 presidency in 2025.
The Comptroller-General of Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, announced that Nigeria and South Africa had exchanged an MOU on Consular and Migration Matters.
The agreement, set for finalization by June 2025, according to Nandap, aims to enhance cooperation on migration, streamline visa processes, and ensure the dignified treatment of nationals facing deportation.
Ojukwu emphasized the shared destiny of both nations as leading African economies and the importance of sustained collaboration.
“Together, we shall achieve success for our nations and Africa as a whole,” she stated.
