Matawalle Represents Tinubu at São Tomé President’s Inauguration

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has arrived in São Tomé and Príncipe to represent President Bola Tinubu at the inauguration of President Carlos Manuel Vila Nova for a second five year term.

President Vila Nova is scheduled to take the oath of office on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the National Assembly (Assembleia Nacional) in São Tomé.

Matawalle’s presence at the ceremony reflects Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its bilateral relations with São Tomé and Príncipe, while promoting democracy, good governance and regional stability in the Gulf of Guinea.

Vila Nova emerged victorious in the presidential election held on July 19, 2026, securing a fresh five-year mandate.

The Minister is expected to convey President Tinubu’s goodwill message to his São Toméan counterpart and engage the country’s leadership on areas of mutual interest, particularly defence cooperation, maritime security and regional stability.

Speaking on Nigeria’s participation in the inauguration, Matawalle said the country’s attendance reaffirmed its commitment to democratic values and collective efforts towards maintaining peace and security in the Gulf of Guinea.

Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe have maintained cordial diplomatic relations, with cooperation spanning democracy, economic development, defence and maritime security.

The visit is expected to further strengthen existing ties between the two countries and enhance collaboration on security challenges confronting the Gulf of Guinea.