By Cynthia Abah
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart France on Monday for Cape Town, South Africa, to co-chair the 11th Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) alongside President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The high-profile session, scheduled for Tuesday, December 3, follows a ministerial meeting set for December 2 at the South African Parliament Building.
According to a statement by Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the two leaders will engage in discussions addressing bilateral, regional, and global issues of shared interest.
They will also assess progress since their previous engagements, including the 10th BNC session held in Abuja in November 2021 and their last meeting in Johannesburg in June 2024.
The 11th BNC will feature deliberations by eight working groups focusing on areas such as trade and investment, defense and security, migration, energy, banking, and social development.
Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), and agreements are expected to be finalized, underscoring the Commission’s mission to deepen collaboration across key sectors.
Established in 1999, the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission aims to strengthen partnerships in diplomacy, trade, security, and economic growth.
This year’s session holds special significance as it marks the Commission’s 25th anniversary.
President Tinubu, leading a high-level delegation of governors, ministers, and senior officials, is expected to return to Nigeria after the meeting’s conclusion.
