By Chinasaokwu Helen Okoro
•Both countries agree on five-year MoU to monitor threats, criminality
• Nigerian tourists can apply for S’African visas without passport, says Ramaphosa
President Bola Tinubu has called for Nigeria-South Africa strategic partnership to become a model of leadership, economic integration and shared prosperity for Africa.
The two countries agreed to urgently finalise the five-year-old Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Early Warning Mechanism, which monitors threats of violence, acts of criminality and reprisals involving nationals of both countries.
This was as South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that tourists from Nigeria can now apply for a visa to his country without submitting a passport.
Yesterday, at the opening of the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town, Tinubu urged both countries to overcome “irritants” that hinder their collaboration and focus on transforming Africa’s global image.
Tinubu, who co-chaired the presidential BNC with his South African counterpart, highlighted the importance of cooperation between the continent’s two largest economies and its potential to redefine the global perception of the continent.
He also urged South Africa to champion the continent’s interests during its G20 presidency, reiterating Nigeria’s aspiration to join the bloc alongside South Africa and the African Union (AU).
“The continent looks up to us; we cannot afford to fail it. We need to leverage the potential of this partnership to strengthen economic, political, business-to-business, and people-to-people relationships between the two countries, bearing in mind the tremendous benefits it promises.
“Our successes will change the negative narratives of seeing Africa as a country perpetually mired in poverty and conflict, with their leaders unable to offer the kind of transformational leadership the continent deserves.
If we are vigilant, committed and persistent, we will surely soar like the eagles over the reach of predators.
So, we must remain strongly united on purpose,” he stated.Regarding the achievements under the BNC framework, established 25 years ago, Tinubu noted that despite many setbacks, over 30 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements are in operation.
He, however, stressed the need for actionable implementation of agreements.“Let us not count our successes by the number of MoUs and agreements signed.
They will be mere papers until we implement them in spirit and letters. This is the job of our senior officials, and I must implore them to redouble their efforts in this regard,” he said.
Recognising the continent’s youth as its most valuable resource, Tinubu called for closer ties to harness the potential of young people in both nations.
He acknowledged that South African companies such as MTN and Multichoice made significant inroads into the Nigerian market, just like Nigerian businesses like Dangote Group and Access Bank did in South Africa.
THE agreement was revealed in a communiqué released at the end of the 11th BNC co-chaired by Tinubu and Ramaphosa in Cape Town.
In the wake of the attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, both countries agreed to establish an Early Warning Mechanism to prevent such attacks.Before the 11th BNC meeting, both parties had agreed to harmonise all contentious areas, conclude and present during the 11th session.
The communiqué, read by South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, said the two leaders underscored the urgent need to finalise the MoU.
“To this end, it was agreed that the MoU will be signed no later than March 2025, during the visit of the South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation to Nigeria for political consultations,” Lamola said.
Tinubu and Ramaphosa welcomed the ongoing negotiations to conclude other new agreements.
According to the communiqué, both leaders renewed their commitment to work closely to broaden and sustain the two nations’ bilateral relationship to enhance strategic cooperation and partnership for mutual benefit.
RAMAPHOSA, at the event, said South Africa simplified its visa processes to facilitate travel for Nigerian businessmen and tourists, with measures such as five-year multiple entry visas.
“Our efforts to create a favourable environment include our simplified visa process for Nigerian businesspeople to travel to South Africa.
Qualifying Nigerian business people can be granted a five-year multiple entry visa,” he said.
He pledged South Africa’s commitment to removing constraints on greater investment and addressing the challenges faced by companies in both countries.
“As we mark 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, we see a bright future for our relationship. Our strong bonds of friendship provide a firm foundation for more meaningful economic cooperation.
Nigeria is host to some South African companies. South Africa has always been open to Nigerian business, reflected in the number of investments and operations established in this country.
But there is much more we need to do. We need to remove the remaining constraints to greater investment, just as we need to address some of the challenges that companies have experienced,” he stated.
President Ramaphosa acknowledged the Nigerian government’s reforms to further strengthen and foster a business environment that offers assurances to investors.
“Our government continues with its efforts to improve the ease of doing business in South Africa. We want to enable investors to operate, trade and pursue opportunities in various sectors.
We look forward to seeing more Nigerian companies investing in South Africa,” he added.
