By Tosin Temiye.
President Bola Tinubu has called for stronger ties between Nigeria and South Africa, emphasizing their shared destiny to work together for the advancement of the African continent.
Speaking in Cape Town on Tuesday, Tinubu co-chaired the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) alongside President Cyril Ramaphosa. He highlighted the importance of implementing agreements rather than merely signing them, stressing that true progress lies in action.
“Our successive governments have recognized our shared history of collaboration and cooperation,” Tinubu stated. “The spirit of collaboration between our two leading nations must deepen under our leadership. This is not a matter of choice but of destiny, rooted in our historical responsibility to Africa’s people.”
Established in 1999, the Bi-National Commission seeks to foster bilateral cooperation and friendship. Tinubu noted that the 2024 session coincides with its 25th anniversary and revealed that 36 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed between the two nations since its inception. However, he cautioned against measuring success by agreements alone.
“MoUs are mere pieces of paper unless implemented in both spirit and letter,” Tinubu said, urging both nations to prioritize execution over formality.
The Commission’s work continues to focus on strengthening ties across various sectors, with leaders from both nations reaffirming their commitment to Africa’s collective growth and development.
By Tosin Temiye, M africa online tv Lagos