Nigeria has called for South Africa’s support in its bid for full membership in the G20, BRICS, and the BRICS New Development Bank.
The request was made on Monday by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, during the ministerial session of the 11th Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) held in Cape Town, South Africa. Nigeria also sought South Africa’s backing for the country to assume leadership roles in thematic discussions under South Africa’s G20 presidency.
South Africa assumed the presidency of the Group of 20 (G20), a forum comprising the world’s largest economies, on December 1. The expanded BRICS group, of which South Africa is a member, has become a significant force in global economic growth, accounting for about 37% of the world’s GDP.
During her closing remarks, Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional peace and stability, calling on South Africa to support efforts to accelerate the peace process in Sudan. She noted that Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, a member of the African Union’s ad-hoc mediation committee, had prioritized resolving the Sudanese crisis to promote peace in the region. “We seek South Africa’s support to further accelerate the peace process and de-escalate conflicts within our region,” she stated, emphasizing the potential for greater development and progress through regional peace.
Ojukwu also commended the work done by officials of both countries in preparing the draft communiqué and addressing amendments during the ministerial session. This draft and agreed minutes would later be presented to Presidents Tinubu and Ramaphosa during the presidential BNC session on Tuesday.
In response, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Roland Lamola, assured that South Africa would amplify Africa’s voice during its G20 presidency and noted Nigeria’s requests. “We will count on Nigeria’s wise counsel as we assume this major responsibility,” Lamola said. He stressed the mutual resolve to deepen bilateral relations, emphasizing that both countries should continue to work together to improve the lives of their people.
Lamola also outlined key priority areas for collaboration, including trade, investment, tourism, health, education, agriculture, ICT, artificial intelligence, arts and culture, climate change, defense, and security. He underscored the importance of finalizing and implementing outstanding agreements under the BNC framework.
The BNC, which marks its 25th anniversary this year, serves as a strategic platform for strengthening ties between Africa’s two largest economies. Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to expanding its cooperation with South Africa, particularly in infrastructure development and capacity building in the mining sector. Nigeria has proposed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with South Africa for the certification of Nigerian mining professionals, a move aimed at enhancing the global competitiveness of Nigeria’s mining sector.
The ministerial session set the stage for high-level engagement between Presidents Tinubu and Ramaphosa, where key agreements would be signed, further solidifying the strategic partnership between the two nations.
The meeting also included discussions on consular and migration matters, defense and security cooperation, and collaboration in banking, energy, manufacturing, and the social sector. Odumegwu-Ojukwu stressed the importance of Nigeria and South Africa maintaining a collaborative spirit to ensure mutual success and fulfillment of shared goals.
As the two countries work to strengthen their relationship, Lamola acknowledged the historic bond between Nigeria and South Africa, which has been built over decades of Nigeria’s support for South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle. This shared history, he said, continues to guide their cooperation today.
In addition, the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, announced the exchange of a draft MoU on consular and migration matters, which is expected to be finalized by June 2025. This MoU aims to enhance cooperation on migration, streamline visa processes, and ensure the dignified handling of nationals facing deportation between the two countries.
The ongoing discussions signal a strong commitment from both nations to improve their bilateral relations and contribute to broader African development and peace initiatives.
